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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

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

Xhaka's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the game with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth, a position few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent eight years away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the home box. 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 shot soared over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before another long stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for bruised Arsenal. The home team sent a free-kick into the Arsenal box and the captain held off Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike 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.

The Gunners had kept a club-record eight successive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval.

They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Extends the Lead

A further example of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, found enough space to fire a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.