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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after late goals from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

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

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the match 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 Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been almost a decade away from the top flight.

His Experience and Leadership

The player's experience, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the shot soared over the bar.

Isidor shot off target at the other end before a further long break after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to come next for stunned the visitors. The home team sent a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a team best 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult outing to the area for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack involving Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and the coach introduced three changes to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

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

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.