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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after late strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over City, who are at home the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after making the best start to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been eight years outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the team rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired off target at the other end before a further long stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised Arsenal. The home team launched a set-piece into the Arsenal box and the captain resisted Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for Arsenal, who were pegged back for spells after the break.

They required a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and Le Bris made three changes to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

Another example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, created enough space to lash a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying block at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.