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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult match for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point advantage over City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth place, a position few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had been almost a decade outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, much of it gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot wide at the other end before another long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a team best 8 successive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval.

They required a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and Merino culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Increases the Lead

Another moment of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the game's last action.