The Black Cats Stage Comeback with Late Brian Brobbey Equaliser to Hold Table-Toppers Arsenal

It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the match with no pressure after making the best start to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before another long break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a team best 8 successive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who were pegged back for spells after the break.

They required a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and Le Bris made three changes to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

Another moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, found enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the feet of Merino in the game's final moment.