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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a rocky night for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the other end before another lengthy break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the Arsenal area and the captain held off Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.

They needed a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack involving the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another moment of quality was not long in coming. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough room to lash a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the box. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving challenge at the feet of Merino in the game's last action.