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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise 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 stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders

Proved to be a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats entered the match with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth, a position few home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent eight years away from the Premier League.

His Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, largely gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eze almost cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the attempt flew over the crossbar.

Isidor fired off target at the other end before a further long break after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the Arsenal area and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had let in since their previous trip to the North East in September's end, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

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

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the area for Arsenal, who were under pressure for spells after the break.

They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move featuring the winger and the striker ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a second goal and Le Bris made three changes to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

Trossard Extends the Lead

Another example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, created enough room to fire a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly the defender – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the feet of Merino in the game's final moment.