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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

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

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent eight years away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the team rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

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

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

Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before a further lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting box and the captain held off Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a team best eight consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult outing to the region for Arsenal, who were pegged back for spells after the break.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the area, found enough room to fire a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Dramatic 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 nodded into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying challenge at the toes of the attacker in the game's final moment.