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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

It was a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners supporters. 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 achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been almost a decade outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

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

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before another long break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the visiting box and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had let in since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another difficult visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the break.

They needed a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move featuring the winger and the striker ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and Le Bris made three changes to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further moment of skill was not long in coming. They moved the play from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, created enough space to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.