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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after late strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Leaders

It was a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point lead over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the match with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a standing not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent eight years away from the top flight.

His Experience and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil European win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

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

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting area and the captain held off Declan Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another difficult visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the break.

They required a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further example of skill was not far away. They moved the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, created enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the ball was headed into the box. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.