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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the match with no pressure after making the best start to a Premier League season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, largely earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the squad quickly adjust to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before a further long break after a head collision between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to follow for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the Arsenal area and the captain held off Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had let in since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a team best 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the interval.

They required a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further example of quality was not long in coming. They moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a flying block at the toes of Merino in the match's final moment.