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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners have a seven-point lead over City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the game with nothing to lose after making the best start to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot soared over the bar.

Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before another long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain resisted Declan Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a club-record eight successive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

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

They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Extends the Lead

A further moment of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough space to fire a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from the substitute after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of the attacker in the game's last action.