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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky night for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with no pressure after making the best start to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent almost a decade outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the other end before another lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to come next for bruised Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting area and the captain resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they 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 the Magpies.

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

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the interval.

They needed a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and the coach made three changes to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

Another example of skill was not far away. Arsenal worked the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, created 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 last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the box. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.