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Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey scored an injury-time leveling goal after late goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

Turbulent Night for the Premier League Leaders

It was a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home the Reds on the weekend, and the hosts, though the Blues could reduce the gap to six points in the weekend's evening fixture.

The Midfielder's Impact on His New Team

Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Gunners supporters. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the game with no pressure after achieving the best start to a top-flight 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 earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth place, a position not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had been almost a decade away from the Premier League.

Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance

Xhaka's expertise, largely earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the squad quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter.

Early Incidents and Knocks

Arteta, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on.

Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the shot flew over the bar.

Isidor fired off target at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

The Hosts Go Ahead

A tougher setback was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland sent a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Rice to drive the ball past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike Arsenal had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle.

Arsenal had kept a team best 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

The Gunners Fight Back

Sunderland made sure that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the area for Arsenal, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the interval.

They required a instance of class, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and the striker ended with the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pushed for a next score and the coach made a triple substitution to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period.

The Winger Increases the Lead

Another moment of skill was not long in coming. They moved the play from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the area, created enough space to fire a right-footed shot into the top left corner.

Late Equaliser from The Sub

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

Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the last word with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the game's last action.