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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Leaders

It was a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.

Isidor shot wide at the other end before another long stoppage after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a team best eight successive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the interval.

They needed a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off his opponent and a flowing move featuring Eze and the striker ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

A further example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, found enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's final moment.