🔗 Share this article

Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in the weekend's later game.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the match with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a Premier League campaign by a promoted side over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth place, a standing few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

Xhaka's experience, largely earned during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, again without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he attacked a cross into the home box. The forward was fit to continue.

Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor fired off target at the other end before another lengthy break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head.

Sunderland Take the Lead

A tougher setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard resisted Rice to drive the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had conceded since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who were pegged back for spells after the break.

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

Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his offense – he sent on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Increases the Lead

A further example of skill was not far away. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, on the edge of the area, created enough space to fire a right-foot strike into the top left 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 the substitute after the ball was nodded into the box. The strike was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the game's final moment.