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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, 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 caught by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Isidor shot wide at the other end before a further lengthy break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting area and the captain held off Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another difficult visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the interval.

They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another example of quality was not far away. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough room to lash a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.