🔗 Share this article

Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the game with nothing to lose after making 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 redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent eight years outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to follow for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive 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 demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

They needed a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and Merino ended with the forward 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 the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

A further moment of quality was not long in coming. They moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving challenge at the feet of Merino in the game's last action.