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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. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners have a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth place, a standing not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the Arsenal box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to drive 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 last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a team best 8 consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

A further example of skill was not long in coming. They worked the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough room to fire a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pressed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The goal 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 final say with a flying block at the feet of Merino in the game's last action.