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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the game with no pressure after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a standing few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the team quickly adjust to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the shot soared over the bar.

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

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain 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 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult outing to the region for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They needed a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

Another example of quality was not far away. They worked the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the box. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying challenge at the toes of the attacker in the game's final moment.