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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage over City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered 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 in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position few home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

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

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They needed a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a smooth attack involving Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

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

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the area, created enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a flying challenge at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.