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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult match for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth place, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

The player's expertise, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze almost cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before another lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to follow for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard held off Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record eight consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, created enough room to lash a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of Merino in the match's last action.