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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky night for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after making the best start to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

His Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the other end before a further lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to come next for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting area and the captain resisted Declan Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded 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 maintained a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another difficult outing to the area for Arsenal, who were pegged back for periods after the interval.

They needed a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move involving Eze and the striker ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, created enough room to fire a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.