🔗 Share this article

Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after second-half goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage over City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been almost a decade away from the top flight.

His Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to come next for bruised Arsenal. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a team best 8 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.

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

The visitors pushed for a next score and Le Bris made three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Extends the Lead

Another example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough room to lash 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 pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the game's last action.