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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the other end before a further long break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a free-kick into the Arsenal area and the captain resisted Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another 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. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further example of quality was not long in coming. They moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, found enough room to fire a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of the attacker in the match's final moment.