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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the match with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the other end before a further lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting box and the captain resisted Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a team best 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the break.

They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and Le Bris made three changes to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Extends the Lead

A further moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the match's final moment.