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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven-point lead over City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line 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 Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

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

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before another long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain held off Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a team best 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further difficult outing to the area for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the interval.

They required a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving Eze and the striker culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Increases the Lead

Another example of skill was not long in coming. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, found enough space to lash a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the box. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.