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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland'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 ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had been eight years away from the top flight.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's expertise, much of it earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the other end before a further long break after a head collision between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

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

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further difficult visit to the region for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the break.

They needed a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off his opponent and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced three changes to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another example of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, found enough room to lash a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying challenge at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.