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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge 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 Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a rocky night for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point lead over City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the match with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

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

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the other end before a further lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and the captain held off Declan Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring the winger and the striker ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris made three changes to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Extends the Lead

Another moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough space to fire a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the game's last action.