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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven point lead over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the Premier League.

His Experience and Leadership

The player's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Isidor shot off target at the other end before another lengthy break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the Arsenal area and the captain resisted Declan Rice to lash the ball 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 demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a team best eight successive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further moment of skill was not far away. They worked the play from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough space to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of the attacker in the match's last action.