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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a rocky night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have a seven-point advantage over City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after achieving 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 earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

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

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a team best eight successive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was a further difficult outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another example of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the box. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying challenge at the toes of the attacker in the match's last action.