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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from the home side captain Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal have a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after making the best start to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a position few local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their side had spent eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

The player's expertise, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before a further lengthy stoppage after a head collision between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain resisted Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had let in since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record 8 successive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Lead

Another example of skill was not far away. They moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the toes of Merino in the match's final moment.