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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky night for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had been eight years outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Leadership

The player's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, 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 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow 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 was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.

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

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to lash the shot past David 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 underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was a further difficult outing to the region for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring Eze and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach made three changes to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further example of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the area, found enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's final moment.