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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

The player's expertise, largely earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to come next for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain resisted Declan Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had let in since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack involving Eze and Merino culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, found enough space to lash a right-foot strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the game's last action.