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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage over City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Isidor fired wide at the other end before another lengthy break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A tougher blow was to come next for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a team best 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the break.

They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring the winger and the striker ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Extends the Lead

A further moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough room to lash a right-foot strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

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