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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage over City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the match with nothing to lose after making the best start to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull 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 standing few local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade outside the top flight.

His Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the other end before another long break after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had let in since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

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

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the interval.

They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and the coach made a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the box, found enough room to lash a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a flying challenge at the toes of Merino in the match's final moment.