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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had been eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before another long stoppage after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the Arsenal area and Ballard held off Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was a further difficult visit to the area for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and the striker culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Extends the Lead

Another example of skill was not far away. They worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, found enough space to lash a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.