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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a rocky match 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 the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Guidance

The player's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the attempt flew over the bar.

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

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting area and the captain held off Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had let in since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

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

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the break.

They needed a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Extends the Lead

Another example of quality was not long in coming. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough space to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.