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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the match with nothing to lose after making the best start to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent eight years away from the Premier League.

His Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely 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 Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he attacked a cross into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the other end before another long stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had let in since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a team best eight consecutive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the break.

They needed a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring the winger and the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further example of quality was not far away. They worked the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, found enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying challenge at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.