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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a rocky night for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point advantage 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 Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their side had spent eight years away from the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, much of it earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he attacked a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.

Isidor shot wide at the other end before another lengthy break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the Arsenal box and the captain held off Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a club-record eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another difficult outing to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack involving the winger and the striker ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

Another example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the box. The strike was met 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 challenge at the toes of Merino in the match's last action.