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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a difficult match for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage over City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the game with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had been almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

Early Moments and Injuries

Arteta, once more without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring a brace in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

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

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

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. The home team sent a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard resisted Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had let in since their last visit to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had kept a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

Arsenal Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult outing to the region for the London side, who were under pressure 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 smooth attack involving Eze and Merino culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

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

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further example of skill was not long in coming. They worked the play from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the box, found enough room to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Equaliser from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the match's final moment.