Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after second-half goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from the home side captain Dan Ballard.
Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners
It was a rocky 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 cut the lead to six in Saturday's evening fixture.
The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland
Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.
Sunderland's Impressive Opening
The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had been almost a decade outside the Premier League.
Xhaka's Experience and Guidance
The player's expertise, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the team rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the contest.
Early Incidents and Knocks
The Arsenal manager, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a cross into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.
Eze nearly cashed in of an mistake from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.
Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head.
The Hosts Take the Lead
A tougher setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting area and the captain held off Declan Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over the Magpies.
The Gunners had kept a team best 8 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.
The Gunners Respond
Sunderland made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.
They required a instance of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and the striker culminated in Saka beating Roefs at his near post.
Arsenal pushed for a second goal and Le Bris introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.
The Winger Increases the Lead
Another moment of skill was not far away. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the area, created enough room to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.
Dramatic Leveler from The Sub
The keeper had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the box. The goal was met 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 block at the toes of Merino in the match's last action.
