🔗 Share this article

Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven-point lead over City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after achieving the best start to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had been eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

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

First-Half Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

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

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further difficult visit to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving Eze and the striker culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal worked the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the box, found enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the game's final moment.