🔗 Share this article Sunderland Stage Comeback with Late Brian Brobbey Equaliser to Hold Table-Toppers Arsenal Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard. A Rocky Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners Proved to be a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners have a seven point advantage over City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could cut the lead to six in the weekend's later game. Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this campaign after signing from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who was reluctant to lose him. Sunderland's Strong Start The Black Cats went into the match with no pressure after making the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008/09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth place, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent eight years away from the top flight. His Know-How and Leadership Xhaka's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier football. He appeared to thrive in the physicality of the encounter. First-Half Incidents and Injuries Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, leading the line after netting a brace in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the Sunderland area. Merino was able to play on. Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar. Wilson Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before another lengthy break after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a bandaged head. The Hosts Take the Lead A more painful setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. The home team launched a free-kick into the Arsenal box and Ballard held off Declan Rice to lash the ball past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the opening strike Arsenal 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. Arsenal had kept a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground. The Gunners Respond Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable outing to the region for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for periods after the break. They needed a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring Eze and the striker culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post. Arsenal pressed for a second goal and the coach made three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period. The Winger Increases the Lead Another example of skill was not long in coming. They moved the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, on the edge of the box, found enough space to fire a right-footed strike into the top corner. Late Equaliser from Brobbey The keeper had to be alert in the final stages as Sunderland pressed for a equalizer, but could not stop an spectacular finish from the substitute after the delivery was headed into the box. The strike was met by a deafening cheer. Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the toes of the attacker in the match's final moment.