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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a rocky night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have a seven-point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year seeking what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after signing from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after achieving the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the team quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a cross into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

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

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard held off Rice to drive the shot 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 title credentials with a late win over Newcastle.

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

The Gunners Fight Back

The Black Cats made sure that it was another difficult outing to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the break.

They required a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution 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 skill was not far away. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, created enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving block at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.