🔗 Share this article

Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult match for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the game with nothing to lose after making the best start to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a position few local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the opposite side 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 more painful blow was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had conceded since their previous trip 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 eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult outing to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the interval.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another moment of quality was not long in coming. They worked the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the box, found enough space to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was met 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 diving block at the toes of Merino in the match's last action.