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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky match for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their side had spent eight years away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, largely gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the bar.

Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before another long stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. 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 Newcastle.

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

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was a further difficult visit to the region for Arsenal, who were pegged back for spells after the interval.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move involving Eze and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, created enough room to fire a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's last action.