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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their side had been eight years away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, largely earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before a further long stoppage after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain resisted Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they 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 Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and Merino ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Extends the Lead

A further example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the area, found enough space to lash a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's final moment.