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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven point advantage over City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland entered the game with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a position few home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

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

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain held off Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

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

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult visit to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving Eze and the striker culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further moment of skill was not far away. They moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough space to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a diving challenge at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.