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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult night for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. 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 game with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the Arsenal box and the captain resisted Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the break.

They needed a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

Another example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, created enough room to lash a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the box. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the match's last action.