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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a difficult match for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been eight years away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired off target at the other end before a further long stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the Arsenal area and the captain held off Declan Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record eight consecutive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult visit to the region for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the break.

They needed a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring the winger and Merino culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors 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 final period.

The Winger Extends the Lead

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, found enough space to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving block at the toes of the attacker in the match's last action.