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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian 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 Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the match with no pressure after making 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 Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had been eight years away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

The player's expertise, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Isidor shot off target at the other end before another lengthy break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and the captain held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a team best eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the interval.

They needed a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and Merino culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Increases the Lead

Another example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, created enough room to fire a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the game's last action.