It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side skipper Ballard.
A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners
Proved to be a rocky match for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.
The Midfielder's Impact on Sunderland
The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.
The Home Side's Strong Start
Sunderland entered the game with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade away from the Premier League.
Xhaka's Experience and Leadership
Xhaka's experience, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the team rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.
First-Half Incidents and Injuries
Arteta, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's three-nil European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on.
Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot soared over the bar.
Wilson Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before another long break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.
The Hosts Go Ahead
A tougher 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 David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.
The Gunners had maintained a club-record eight successive shutouts in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.
Arsenal Respond
Sunderland ensured that it was a further difficult outing to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for spells after the interval.
They needed a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring Eze and Merino culminated in Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.
Arsenal pressed for a next score and Le Bris introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.
The Winger Extends the Advantage
Another example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the area, found enough space to fire a right-foot shot into the top left corner.
Late 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 finish from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.
Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the toes of Merino in the match's last action.
