🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Stage Comeback with Injury-Time Brobbey Equaliser to Draw With Leaders Arsenal Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be led by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard. A Rocky Night for the Premier League Leaders It was a difficult night for the English top division leaders, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on the weekend, and Sunderland, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in the weekend's later game. The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team Xhaka – who departed the Emirates Stadium in last year seeking what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the promoted side's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the veteran's form on Wearside will not have shocked Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave. The Home Side's Impressive Opening The Black Cats went into the game with no pressure after making the best start to a top-flight season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from the midfielder against the Toffees on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have envisaged before a ball was kicked given that their team had been eight years away from the top flight. Xhaka's Know-How and Guidance Xhaka's experience, largely gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have helped the team quickly adjust to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter. Early Incidents and Knocks Arteta, once more without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in Tuesday night's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an arm from the defender as he attacked a cross into the Sunderland area. The forward was able to play on. Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt flew over the crossbar. Wilson Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further long break after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a bandaged head. Sunderland Take the Lead A tougher setback was to follow for stunned Arsenal. Sunderland sent a set-piece into the Arsenal area and Ballard resisted Rice to lash the shot past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had let in since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over the Magpies. Arsenal had kept a club-record eight successive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park. Arsenal Respond The Black Cats ensured that it was a further difficult visit to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval. They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring the winger and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post. The visitors pressed for a second goal and the coach made three changes to his offense – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the final period. The Winger Extends the Advantage A further example of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal worked the play from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, found enough room to lash a right-foot shot into the top left corner. Late Equaliser from Brobbey Raya had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The strike was met by a deafening cheer. Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a flying block at the toes of the attacker in the match's last action.