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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven point lead over City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after achieving the best start to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position few local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to come next for stunned the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard held off Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the break.

They needed a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and Merino culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

A further example of skill was not long in coming. They worked the play from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the box, found enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late 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 spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of the attacker in the game's last action.