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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a rocky night for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven point lead over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the other end before a further long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting area and the captain resisted Declan Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had let in since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a team best 8 successive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They needed a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off his opponent and a smooth attack involving Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and Le Bris made three changes to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Increases the Lead

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough room to fire a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the feet of Merino in the game's final moment.