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It perhaps wasn't so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's championship push would be led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey netted an injury-time leveling goal after second-half strikes from Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Front-Runners

Proved to be a rocky night for the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have a seven point lead over City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in Saturday's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the promoted side's engine room this season after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Strong Start

The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after achieving the best start to a Premier League season by a newly promoted club over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade outside the Premier League.

His Know-How and Leadership

The player's expertise, much of it gained 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

The Arsenal manager, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

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

Isidor fired off target at the other end before another long stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for stunned Arsenal. The home team sent a set-piece into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had kept a club-record 8 consecutive clean sheets in every match since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult outing to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the break.

They needed a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack involving the winger and Merino culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach introduced three changes to his offense – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

Trossard Extends the Lead

Another example of quality was not far away. They worked the play from right to left, and Trossard, just outside the box, created enough space to lash a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Dramatic Leveler from The Sub

The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the box. The strike was met by a deafening cheer.

Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying block at the toes of Merino in the game's last action.