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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven-point lead over City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a Premier League 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 Monday night had boosted them up to fourth place, a position few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the top flight.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

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

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

Isidor shot off target at the other end before a further lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the Arsenal area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a team best 8 successive clean sheets 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 region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for spells after the interval.

They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring Eze and the striker culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

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

Trossard Increases the Lead

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the game's final moment.