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Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners

It was a rocky match for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven-point advantage over City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

The Black Cats went into the match with nothing to lose 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 Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a position not many local fans would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

The player's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the team quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he challenged for a ball into the home box. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the shot soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot wide 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 bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to follow for bruised Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting box and the captain held off Declan Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

Arsenal had kept a club-record eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

The Black Cats made sure that it was another difficult outing to the region for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a moment of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and Le Bris made three changes to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half.

The Winger Extends the Advantage

A further example of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough space to fire a right-foot strike into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of the attacker in the game's final moment.