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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

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

Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and the captain held off Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a club-record eight successive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the break.

They required a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

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

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving challenge at the feet of Merino in the game's final moment.