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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

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

Xhaka's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after making the best start to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a standing few local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, largely gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the other end before a further lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a set-piece into the Arsenal box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to lash the shot 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 underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

A further example of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough space to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.