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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage over City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Guidance

The player's expertise, much of it gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team quickly adjust to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eze almost cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before another long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to come next for stunned the visitors. The home team sent a free-kick into the Arsenal area and Ballard resisted Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had let in since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a team best eight consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for spells after the interval.

They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving Eze and Merino culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Extends the Lead

A further moment of skill was not far away. They worked the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the area, found enough space to lash a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the toes of Merino in the match's final moment.