Sunderland Stage Comeback with Late Brobbey Equaliser to Hold Table-Toppers Arsenal

It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a rocky match for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven point lead over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

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 promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had been eight years outside the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the squad quickly adjust to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest.

Early Incidents and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

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

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

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their championship potential with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a club-record 8 successive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was a further difficult outing to the area for Arsenal, who were pegged back for periods after the break.

They required a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Extends the Lead

A further moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

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

Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying challenge at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.