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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

It was a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the top flight.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting box and Ballard held off Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in 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.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record 8 successive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was a further difficult outing to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the interval.

They needed a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another example of skill was not long in coming. They worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, created enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the box. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's final moment.