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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage over City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – 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 midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been eight years away from the Premier League.

His Know-How and Guidance

The player's expertise, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

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

Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further long break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a team best 8 successive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult visit to the region for Arsenal, who were pegged back for spells after the interval.

They needed a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack involving Eze and Merino culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced three changes to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

A further example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, found enough room to lash a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the match's final moment.