🔗 Share this article

It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Influence on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the match with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their side had been almost a decade away from the top flight.

His Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the team rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a cross into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the box, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot wide at the other end before a further long stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

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

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for Arsenal, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Extends the Lead

Another moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough space to fire a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – 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 the attacker in the game's last action.