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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a position not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

Arteta, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before a further long break after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a team best eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was a further difficult outing to the area for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.

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

The visitors pressed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further moment of quality was not far away. They worked the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the area, found enough space to lash a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

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

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the game's last action.