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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional 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 surprised Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had spent eight years outside the top flight.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an arm from the defender as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

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

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the opposite side 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 tougher setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting area and the captain resisted Rice to drive the shot past 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 maintained a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the break.

They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring Eze and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the play from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, found enough space to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

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

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of the attacker in the game's last action.