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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a rocky match for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka'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 engine room this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth place, a standing few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before a further long stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the Arsenal area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a team best eight consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another difficult visit to the region for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the interval.

They needed a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring the winger and Merino culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further example of skill was not far away. They moved the play from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular finish from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, 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.