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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

It was a difficult night for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal have a seven point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.

Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision 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 stunned Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a team best 8 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

Another moment of skill was not far away. They worked the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, created enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser 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 finish from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a diving block at the toes of the attacker in the game's last action.