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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a rocky match for the Premier League pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a position few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's expertise, largely earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

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

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard held off Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a club-record eight successive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult visit to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the interval.

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

The visitors pushed for a next score and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Extends the Lead

A further example of quality was not long in coming. They worked the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough space to fire a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was met 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 block at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.