The Black Cats Fight Back with Injury-Time Brobbey Equaliser to Draw With Table-Toppers Arsenal

Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a difficult match for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain 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 evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after signing from the German club, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after achieving the best start to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had spent eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before a further lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain held off Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had let in 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.

Arsenal had kept a team best 8 successive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the break.

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

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and Le Bris made three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

Another example of quality was not long in coming. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the box, found enough space to lash a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.