🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Stage Comeback 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 led by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. Replacement striker Brobbey netted an injury-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard. Turbulent Night for the Top Flight Front-Runners Proved to be a rocky night for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal maintain a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who host Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland, though Chelsea could reduce the gap to six points in Saturday's later game. The Midfielder's Influence on His New Team Xhaka – who departed the Arsenal's home in 2023 looking for what he described as a fresh opportunity – has been outstanding in the promoted side's engine room this season after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have surprised Arsenal fans. The Swiss international turned his Arsenal career around under Mikel Arteta, who did not want to see him leave. The Home Side's Impressive Opening The Black Cats entered the game with nothing to lose 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 the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had lifted them up to fourth, a standing few local fans would have envisaged before a match began given that their team had spent almost a decade outside the top flight. His Know-How and Guidance Xhaka's expertise, much of it earned during his lengthy spell at Arsenal, and leadership have assisted the squad rapidly adapt to Premier League football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the encounter. Early Moments and Knocks Arteta, again without Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an initial worry when Mikel Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he challenged for a ball into the home box. Merino was able to play on. Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the edge of the box, but the attempt soared over the crossbar. Isidor fired wide at the opposite side before a further lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between Le Fée and Jurriën Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage. The Hosts Take the Lead A tougher setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. The home team sent a set-piece into the visiting box and Ballard resisted Declan Rice to drive the shot past David Raya after it was cleared. It was the first goal they had conceded since their last visit to the north-east in late September, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over the Magpies. The Gunners had maintained a team best 8 successive shutouts in every match since Nick Woltemade's goal against them at Newcastle's ground. Arsenal Fight Back The Black Cats ensured that it was another uncomfortable visit to the region for the London side, who were pegged back for periods after the interval. They required a moment of quality, and it arrived in the 54th minute. The midfielder won possession off Le Fée and a flowing move involving the winger and the striker ended with Saka beating Robin Roefs at his near post. Arsenal pushed for a second goal and the coach introduced three changes to his attack – he brought on the substitute, Talbi and Adingra – in the middle of the second half. The Winger Increases the Lead A further moment of skill was not long in coming. Arsenal moved the ball from one flank to the other, and the Belgian, just outside the area, found enough room to fire a right-foot strike into the top left corner. Late Leveler from Brobbey Raya had to be alert in the final stages as the hosts pressed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic finish from Brobbey after the delivery was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was met by a deafening cheer. Appropriately Ballard – similar to his teammate a former Arsenal player, this one developed in the youth system – had the last word with a diving challenge at the feet of the attacker in the match's last action.