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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult night for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners have a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, largely gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the team rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

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

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

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a team best eight successive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another difficult visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the break.

They needed a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and the coach introduced three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

A further example of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough space to lash a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of Merino in the match's last action.