🔗 Share this article The Black Cats Fight Back with Injury-Time Brobbey Equaliser to Hold Table-Toppers Arsenal Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's title charge would be captained by their former skipper, their former captain. The substitute Brobbey scored an stoppage-time equaliser after second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors in the lead following a first-half goal from Sunderland captain Ballard. Turbulent Evening for the Premier League Leaders Proved to be a rocky night for the Premier League pace-setters, but Arsenal have 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 Saturday's evening fixture. Xhaka's Influence on Sunderland The Swiss international – who departed the Arsenal's home in last year looking for what he called a fresh opportunity – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's engine room this campaign after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Sunderland's home turf will not have shocked Gunners fans. The Swiss international revived his Gunners stint under Arteta, who did not want to lose him. Sunderland's Impressive Opening Sunderland went into the match with no pressure after achieving the strongest opening to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008-09 season. A redirected effort from Xhaka against Everton on earlier in the week had lifted Sunderland up to fourth, a position not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their team had been almost a decade away from the Premier League. His Experience and Guidance Xhaka's expertise, largely gained during his seven years at Arsenal, and captaincy have helped the squad rapidly adapt to top-tier soccer. He seemed to revel in the intensity of the encounter. Early Moments and Knocks Arteta, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli, had an initial worry when Merino, playing up front after scoring two goals in midweek's 3-0 European win at Prague, was caught by an elbow from the defender as he attacked a ball into the home box. The forward was able to play on. Eze almost 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 a further long stoppage after a head collision between Le Fée and Timber, who had to continue with a head bandage. The Hosts Go Ahead A tougher setback was to come next for bruised the visitors. The home team launched a free-kick into the visiting area and the captain held off Rice to drive the ball past David Raya after it was knocked out. It was the opening strike they had let in since their last visit to the North East in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a last-gasp win over Newcastle. Arsenal had maintained a team best eight consecutive shutouts in all competitions since Nick Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park. The Gunners Respond Sunderland ensured that it was a further difficult outing to the area for Arsenal, who were pegged back for spells after the break. They required a moment of class, and it came in the 54th minute. Rice took the ball off his opponent and a flowing move involving Eze and Merino ended with Saka beating Roefs at his near post. Arsenal pushed for a next score and the coach made three changes to his offense – he sent on the substitute, Talbi and Simon Adingra – midway through the final period. Trossard Extends the Advantage Another moment of quality was not far away. Arsenal worked the ball from right to left, and the Belgian, just outside the area, created enough space to lash a right-foot shot into the top corner. Late Leveler from The Sub Raya had to be sharp in the last 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an spectacular shot from Brobbey after the delivery was headed into the box. The goal was met by a deafening cheer. Fittingly Ballard – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one developed in the youth system – had the final say with a diving block at the toes of the attacker in the game's final moment.