🔗 Share this article Sunderland Fight Back with Late Brobbey Equaliser to Draw With Leaders Arsenal Maybe it shouldn't have been so shocking that the side capable of halting Arsenal's title charge would be captained by Granit Xhaka, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brobbey scored an injury-time equaliser after second-half goals from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a early goal from Sunderland captain Ballard. Turbulent Evening for the Top Flight Front-Runners Proved to be a rocky match for the English top division pace-setters, but the Gunners maintain a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in the weekend's later game. The Midfielder's Influence on Sunderland Xhaka – who left the Emirates Stadium in 2023 seeking what he called a new challenge – has been outstanding in the newly promoted team's midfield this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's form on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal supporters. The Switzerland international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to lose him. Sunderland's Strong Start The Black Cats entered the match with no pressure after achieving the best start to a Premier League season by a promoted side over 10 games since Hull in the 2008-09 term. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had boosted them up to fourth, a position not many local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their side had been almost a decade away from the top flight. His Experience and Guidance The player's experience, much of it gained during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have helped the team quickly adjust to Premier League soccer. He appeared to thrive in the intensity of the contest. First-Half Moments and Injuries The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was struck by an elbow from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was fit to continue. Eberechi Eze nearly cashed in of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar. Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before another long 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 tougher blow was to come next for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a set-piece into the Arsenal box and the captain resisted Declan Rice to drive the ball 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 late September, when they had underlined their title credentials with a late win over Newcastle. The Gunners had kept a club-record eight successive clean sheets in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at St James' Park. The Gunners Fight Back Sunderland made sure that it was another uncomfortable visit to the area for the London side, who were under pressure for spells after the break. They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off Le Fée and a flowing move featuring Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post. Arsenal pushed for a second goal and Le Bris made three changes to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the second half. The Winger Increases the Lead Another example of skill was not far away. They worked the ball from one flank to the other, and Trossard, just outside the area, found enough space to lash a right-footed strike into the top left corner. Dramatic Equaliser from Brobbey Raya had to be alert in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a second goal, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from the substitute after the ball was headed into the box. The goal was met by a huge roar. Fittingly the defender – like Xhaka another ex-Gunner, this one coming through the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the feet of Merino in the game's last action.