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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult match for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches 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 position not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to follow for bruised the visitors. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a team best 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.

They needed a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off his opponent and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

A further moment of quality was not far away. They worked the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough room to lash a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.