🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Fight Back with Late Brian Brobbey Equaliser to Draw With 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, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a early goal from Sunderland skipper Dan Ballard. Turbulent Night for the Premier League Leaders It was a difficult match for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven point advantage over Manchester City, who are at home Liverpool on the weekend, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's evening fixture. Xhaka's Impact on His New Team The Swiss international – who left the Arsenal's home in 2023 seeking what he described as a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's engine room this season after joining from the German club, but the veteran's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who did not want to lose him. The Home Side's Impressive Opening Sunderland entered the match with nothing to lose after making the strongest opening to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull City in the 2008-09 term. A deflected strike from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted them up to fourth place, a position few local fans would have predicted before a match began given that their team had been eight years away from the top flight. His Know-How and Guidance The player's expertise, much of it earned during his seven years at the Emirates, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the contest. Early Moments and Injuries Arteta, once more without Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a cross into the home box. Merino was able to play on. Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Enzo Le Fée, who was dispossessed on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the crossbar. Isidor shot off target at the other end before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage. Sunderland Take the Lead A tougher blow was to follow for stunned the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the visiting box and Ballard held off Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal Arsenal had let in since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies. Arsenal had maintained a team best 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park. Arsenal Fight Back Sunderland ensured that it was another difficult outing to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the break. They required a instance of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a smooth attack featuring the winger and Merino culminated in the forward beating Roefs at his near post. The visitors pushed for a second goal and Le Bris made a triple substitution to his attack – he sent on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the second half. The Winger Extends the Lead Another example of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the play from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the box, created enough space to lash a right-foot strike into the top left corner. Late Equaliser from Brobbey Raya had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from the substitute after the ball was nodded into the box. The goal was met by a huge roar. Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka a former Arsenal player, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the last word with a flying challenge at the toes of the attacker in the match's last action.