🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Fight Back with Late Brian Brobbey Leveler to Hold Leaders Arsenal Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, their former captain. Replacement striker Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard. A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven point lead over City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six points in Saturday's evening fixture. Xhaka's Influence on His New Team Xhaka – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's midfield this campaign after joining from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to lose him. The Home Side's Strong Start The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose 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 Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted Sunderland up to fourth, a position few home supporters would have predicted before a match began given that their side had been eight years away from the Premier League. His Know-How and Leadership The player's expertise, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the encounter. First-Half Incidents and Knocks Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. The forward was able to play on. Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the shot soared over the crossbar. Wilson Isidor shot off target at the opposite side before a further long break after a clash of heads between the midfielder and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage. The Hosts Go Ahead A tougher blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the visiting box and the captain resisted Declan 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 demonstrated their title credentials with a last-gasp win over Newcastle. The Gunners had kept a team best eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park. Arsenal Respond Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for Arsenal, who were pegged back for periods after the break. They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off his opponent and a smooth attack involving Eze and Merino ended with the forward beating Roefs at his near post. The visitors pressed for a next score and the coach introduced three changes to his attack – he sent on the substitute, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – in the middle of the final period. Trossard Increases the Lead A further example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, found enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top left corner. Late Equaliser from Brobbey The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was headed into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer. Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.