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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, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point advantage over 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 Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had been almost a decade outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before a further long stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the Arsenal area and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a team best 8 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

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

They needed a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack involving Eze and Merino culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.