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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have a seven point advantage over City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had spent almost a decade outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the home box. 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 soared over the bar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy stoppage after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a team best 8 successive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another difficult visit to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods 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 flowing move involving the winger and the striker ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

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

The Winger Increases the Lead

A further moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the box, found enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – 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 last action.