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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth, a standing not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had been eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before another long break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the interval.

They needed a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and the coach introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the area, created enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving challenge at the toes of the attacker in the match's final moment.