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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a rocky night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike 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 match began given that their team had been eight years outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Guidance

The player's experience, largely earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

Arteta, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to come next for bruised Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a club-record eight successive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the interval.

They needed a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough space to lash a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the toes of the attacker in the match's last action.