🔗 Share this article

It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven-point advantage over City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a cross into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot wide at the other end before a further long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the interval.

They required a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Extends the Lead

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

Late Leveler from The Sub

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 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 developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the game's last action.