🔗 Share this article

Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

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

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the game with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been eight years away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the team rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

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

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the other end before a further long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain resisted Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal 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 Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a club-record eight consecutive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for spells after the break.

They required a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

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

The Winger Increases the Lead

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

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.