🔗 Share this article

It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the match with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been eight years away from the top flight.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

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

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

Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to follow for bruised Arsenal. The home team sent a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard held off Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

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

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the region for Arsenal, who were pegged back for periods after the interval.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further moment of quality was not long in coming. They moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough room to lash a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the box. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

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