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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

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

Isidor shot wide at the other end before a further long stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a team best eight successive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further difficult visit to the area for Arsenal, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

Another example of skill was not far away. They moved the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, created enough space to lash a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.