Sunderland Fight Back with Late Brobbey Leveler to Draw With Leaders Arsenal

Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time leveling goal after late goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from the home side skipper Dan Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Premier League Front-Runners

It was a difficult night for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and the hosts, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's later game.

The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland

Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this campaign 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 turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

The Home Side's Impressive Opening

Sunderland entered the match with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight campaign by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka 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 top flight.

Xhaka's Experience and Leadership

The player's expertise, largely gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have helped the team rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest.

First-Half Moments and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in Tuesday night's three-nil European win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on.

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

Wilson Isidor fired wide at the other end before another 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 bruised Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting box and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike they had conceded since their previous trip to the North East in late September, when they had demonstrated their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies.

The Gunners had maintained a team best eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground.

Arsenal Fight Back

Sunderland ensured that it was a further uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves pegged back for spells after the break.

They needed a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. Rice won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post.

The visitors pressed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half.

Trossard Increases the Advantage

A further moment of skill was not long in coming. They worked the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, found enough space to lash a right-foot shot into the top left corner.

Late Leveler from The Sub

Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the feet of Merino in the match's last action.