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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the match with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Isidor fired off target at the other end before another long break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had conceded 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 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another example of quality was not long in coming. They moved the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, found enough room to fire a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.