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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a rocky night for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the match with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.

Wilson Isidor shot wide at the other end before another long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for stunned the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the Arsenal box and the captain held off Declan Rice to drive the shot 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 championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was another difficult visit to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure 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 the winger and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further example of skill was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough room to fire a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly 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 final moment.