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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a difficult match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven point lead over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the game with nothing to lose after making the best start to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had spent eight years away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for stunned the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 successive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the area 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 took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and the striker ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

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

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.