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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a difficult night for the Premier League leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding 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 surprised Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats entered the match with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a position few local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had been eight years outside the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the team quickly adjust to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's three-nil European win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

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

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before a further long stoppage after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. The home team launched a set-piece into the visiting box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had let in since their previous trip to the North East in late September, 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 all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval.

They needed a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and Merino ended with 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 the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

A further moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the area, created enough space to fire a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Late Leveler from Brobbey

Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted 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.