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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker 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 captain Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a difficult night for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven-point advantage over City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the top flight.

His Experience and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

Early Moments and Knocks

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

Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.

Isidor fired off target at the other end before another long break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had let in since their previous trip 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 club-record eight successive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a smooth attack involving Eze and Merino culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Extends the Lead

Another moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the area, found enough space to fire a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a flying block at the feet of the attacker in the match's last action.