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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

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

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the game with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been eight years away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the shot soared over the bar.

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

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to come next for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting area and the captain held off Declan Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike 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 kept a team best 8 successive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for Arsenal, who were pegged back for periods after the interval.

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

The visitors pushed for a second goal and Le Bris made three changes to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

A further moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough room to lash a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.