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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after late strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a rocky night for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven-point advantage over City, who host Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six in the weekend's evening fixture.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the game with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against Everton on Monday night had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position few home supporters would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been eight years outside the Premier League.

His Experience and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

Early Moments and Knocks

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze almost cashed in of an mistake from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot flew over the bar.

Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further lengthy break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting area and Ballard held off Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a team best 8 successive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Respond

The Black Cats ensured that it was a further uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who were under pressure for periods after the interval.

They needed a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and Merino 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 Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

The Winger Increases the Advantage

Another moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the play from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the area, created enough space to fire a right-footed strike into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The goal was met by a huge roar.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of the attacker in the game's final moment.