Arsenal Slip as Xhaka Leads Sunderland’s Stunning Fightback

Brobbey’s Late Strike Denies the League Leaders

It was almost poetic that the man who once captained Arsenal helped stop them in their tracks. Granit Xhaka, now the leader of Sunderland’s midfield, inspired his team to a 2–2 draw against the Premier League leaders on a wild night in the North East.

For Arsenal, it was a frustrating evening that ended with two lost points. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard looked to have done enough to seal another win after overturning a first-half strike from Sunderland captain Dan Ballard, a former Arsenal academy player. But substitute Brian Brobbey had the final word, smashing home in added time to send the Stadium of Light into chaos.

Xhaka Shines Against His Old Club

Xhaka’s performance reminded Arsenal fans why he became such a key figure under Mikel Arteta. At 33, he was everywhere — breaking up attacks, leading the press, and setting the tone for Sunderland’s belief. His energy and leadership have turned the promoted side into this season’s surprise package.

Few expected Sunderland to start their return to the Premier League this well. Their victory over Everton earlier in the week had pushed them to fourth in the table. Now, after holding Arsenal, they continue to prove that their rise is no fluke.

Arteta’s side were missing several key players including Gabriel Jesus, Ødegaard, Havertz, and Martinelli, but that could not excuse their sloppy defending. The opening goal came when Arsenal failed to clear a free kick and Ballard, holding off Declan Rice, fired past David Raya. It ended Arsenal’s run of eight straight clean sheets.

Arsenal Still Top but Warning Signs Grow

Saka’s equaliser early in the second half restored calm. Arsenal then produced a flowing move that ended with Trossard’s powerful finish into the top corner. For a moment, it seemed like business as usual. But Sunderland never gave up.

As the clock ticked down, their energy grew. Brobbey came off the bench and, after a deep cross was headed into the box, launched himself into an acrobatic finish that stunned Arsenal. It was the kind of moment that defines seasons.

Ballard then threw himself into a heroic last-ditch block to deny Mikel Merino and ensure Sunderland took a point they fully deserved.

Arsenal stay top with a seven-point lead over Manchester City, but this was a reminder that nothing comes easy in the Premier League. Sunderland, driven by Xhaka’s fire, showed that heart and hunger can still topple the elite.