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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the match with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent eight years away from the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot soared over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before another long break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to come next for bruised the visitors. The home team 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 they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring the winger and the striker culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another moment of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the area, found enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.