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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners have 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 the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

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

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Isidor fired off target at the other end before another lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard resisted Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a team best 8 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another difficult outing to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the break.

They needed a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further moment of quality was not far away. They moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.