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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

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

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the match with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a position few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had been eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, largely gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

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

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. The home team launched a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain resisted Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a club-record eight successive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move featuring Eze and the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another example of skill was not far away. They worked the play from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, created enough room to fire a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.