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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult match for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage 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.

The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after making the best start to a Premier League season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further long stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard resisted Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino culminated in the forward 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 Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, created enough room to lash a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of the attacker in the game's last action.