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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 equaliser after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a rocky night for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point advantage over City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a position not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the team rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the other end before another lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the Arsenal area and Ballard 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 September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a team best eight consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another difficult visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the interval.

They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Extends the Lead

A further example of quality was not far away. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, found enough space to fire a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the box. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.