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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Leaders

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 Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a standing not many local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

The player's experience, much of it earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team quickly adjust to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.

Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. 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 8 consecutive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

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

They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

A further example of quality was not long in coming. They worked the play from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough room to lash a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the box. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.