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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 their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the match with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had spent eight years away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

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

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the other end before a further long break after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to come next for bruised Arsenal. The home team sent a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record eight consecutive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

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

They needed a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

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

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another moment of skill was not far away. They worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the area, found enough space to lash a right-foot strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

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

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of the attacker in the game's last action.