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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Leaders

It was a rocky night for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal maintain 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 Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after making the best start to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

The player's expertise, much of it earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eze almost took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to follow for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a club-record eight consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another difficult visit to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the break.

They needed a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced three changes to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Increases the Lead

A further example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the area, found enough room to fire a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

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