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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

It was a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners have a seven-point advantage over City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

Sunderland went into the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had been almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further long stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to follow for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a team best eight consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats made sure 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 arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move featuring the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and Le Bris made three changes to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Extends the Lead

Another moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough space to lash a right-foot strike into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying challenge at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.