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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult night for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the game with no pressure after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, largely earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a team best 8 successive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was another difficult visit to the area for Arsenal, who were pegged back for spells after the interval.

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 the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and the coach made three changes to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's last action.