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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

It was a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host Liverpool 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 departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's expertise, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the team rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team launched a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a team best eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the interval.

They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off his opponent and a smooth attack involving Eze and the striker ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and Le Bris made three changes to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Extends the Lead

A further moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the area, found enough space to lash a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.