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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – 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 Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth place, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before another long stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to come next for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard held off Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

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

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was a further difficult visit to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

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

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

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

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