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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a difficult match for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had been eight years away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

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

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the Arsenal area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

They needed a instance of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving Eze and the striker culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

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

The Winger Increases the Advantage

A further example of quality was not far away. They worked the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a flying challenge at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.