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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half goals from 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 Leaders

It was a rocky night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have 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 the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the game with nothing to lose after making the best start 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 Everton on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further long stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike 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 the Magpies.

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

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the region for Arsenal, who were pegged back for spells after the break.

They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and Merino culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was met by a huge roar.

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