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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

It was a rocky night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven point lead over City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been eight years outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Isidor shot off target at the other end before a further lengthy break after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a team best 8 successive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another difficult outing to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the interval.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and Merino culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Increases the Lead

A further moment of quality was not long in coming. They worked the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough space to lash a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.