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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Leaders

It was a rocky night for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point advantage over City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth, a position few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

His Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the team quickly adjust to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

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

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

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

The Gunners Fight Back

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

They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring Eze and the striker ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. They moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, created enough space to lash a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the box. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.