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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Leaders

It was a rocky night for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years away from the Premier League.

His Experience and Leadership

The player's expertise, much of it earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a free-kick into the Arsenal area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a team best eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the break.

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

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

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

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.