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

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky night for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after making 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 Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a position not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been almost a decade away from the top flight.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot soared over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the other end before a further lengthy break after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to come next for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain held off Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a team best 8 successive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the break.

They required a moment of class, 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.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

Another example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough room to lash a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a flying challenge at the toes of the attacker in the match's last action.