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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point lead over 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 later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals 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. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for bruised Arsenal. The home team sent a free-kick into the Arsenal area and the captain resisted Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal 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 eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

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

They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

Another example of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.