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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after joining from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he attacked a cross into the home box. Merino 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 flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further long stoppage after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to follow for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the Arsenal box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

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

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for Arsenal, who were pegged back for periods after the break.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further example of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, created enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the game's final moment.