🔗 Share this article

Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners 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 the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after joining from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been eight years outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the bar.

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

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to come next for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a team best eight successive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the break.

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

Arsenal pushed for a next score and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another moment of skill was not far away. They worked the ball from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, created enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.