🔗 Share this article

Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal have a seven point advantage over City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a Premier League 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 lifted them up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade away from the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring a brace 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. Merino was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.

Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further long stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for periods after the break.

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

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Extends the Advantage

Another example of skill was not long in coming. They moved the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, found enough space to lash a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

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

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the game's last action.