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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a rocky night for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth, a standing not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before another lengthy break after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A more painful blow was to come next for bruised the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the Arsenal area and Ballard held off Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had maintained a club-record eight successive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a next score and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

Trossard Increases the Lead

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

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the game's last action.