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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf 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 making the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a position few home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the top flight.

His Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

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

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record eight successive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and Merino culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. They moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the game's last action.