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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after joining from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with nothing to lose after making the best start to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a standing few local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their side had spent eight years away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

The player's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an mistake from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the bar.

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further long stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the visiting area and Ballard resisted Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had let in since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a team best eight consecutive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the break.

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

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and Le Bris made three changes to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, created enough room to lash a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a huge roar.

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