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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

The player's expertise, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard held off Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.

They needed a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and Le Bris made three changes to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough space to fire a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal 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 diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.