🔗 Share this article

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

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the match with nothing to lose 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 deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been 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 the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at 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 shot soared over the crossbar.

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

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard held off Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a team best eight consecutive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult visit to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the break.

They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving Eze and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

A further moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.