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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, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth place, a position few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

The player's expertise, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before a further lengthy break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard held off Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the interval.

They needed a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring Eze and the striker ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

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

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the box. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the feet of the attacker in the game's last action.