It was unsurprising to see the opening chance of the game come from an Arsenal set-piece, as Declan Rice’s free-kick from long range was comfortably parried away by Robin Roefs.
Sunderland’s first attempt fell to Wilson Isidor, who dragged wide from a tight angle.
However, the Black Cats’ second was very much on target, as Arsenal academy graduate Daniel Ballard slammed home Nordi Mukiele’s knockdown to end the Gunners’ remarkable run of eight straight clean sheets.
William Saliba wasted a golden chance to equalise within a whopping nine minutes of added time due to several stoppages, striking his half-volley over in space as Sunderland held firm until half-time.
Arsenal upped the pressure early in the second half with more penetrative passes, as Martín Zubimendi turned and shot at Roefs, before Bukayo Saka pulled an effort wide.
The Englishman made no mistake from his next attempt, though, receiving a pass from Mikel Merino and equalising with his weaker right foot.
Eberechi Eze then tested Roefs shortly after, while Zubimendi also hit the crossbar with a delicate effort after Roefs pushed Saka’s cross out.
Relentless pressure from the visitors made a second goal almost inevitable, and Leandro Trossard provided it with a pinpoint strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.
However, there was to be another twist to the tale as Brobbey salvaged a point for Sunderland with a late equaliser, beating the onrushing David Raya to the ball with an acrobatic finish.
Roefs was then required to brilliantly save Riccardo Calafiori’s header before Ballard charged down Merino’s rebound.
The disappointed visitors extended their unbeaten H2H run to 16 PL games as a result, but missed the chance to go nine points clear at the summit.
The Black Cats, meanwhile, climb into third after a fourth successive game unbeaten.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
