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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain 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 His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under 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 top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the other end before another long stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain resisted Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a team best eight successive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult outing to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the break.

They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Increases the Lead

Another moment of quality was not far away. They worked the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, found enough room to lash a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.