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It perhaps wasn't such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Leaders

It was a difficult night for the English top division leaders, but Arsenal have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent eight years outside the top flight.

His Experience and Guidance

The player's experience, largely earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Injuries

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting a brace in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on.

Eze almost took advantage of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a head collision between the midfielder and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.

The Hosts Take the Lead

A more painful blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the Arsenal area and the captain held off Declan 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 late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a team best 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult outing to the region for Arsenal, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the interval.

They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move featuring Eze and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Extends the Lead

Another example of quality was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough room to fire a right-foot shot into the top corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a huge roar.

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of the attacker in the game's last action.