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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a rocky night for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the top flight.

His Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot wide at the other end before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a team best 8 successive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the interval.

They needed a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and the striker culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, created enough space to fire a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the ball was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.