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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with no pressure after achieving the best start to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the shot soared over the bar.

Isidor shot wide at the other end before another lengthy break after a head collision between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a team best 8 successive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

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

They required a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving Eze and Merino culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Extends the Lead

A further moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, created enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.