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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after joining from the German club, 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 Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after making the best start to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been eight years outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Guidance

The player's experience, largely earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the Arsenal area and the captain held off Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

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

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

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the area, found enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

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