Brian Brobbey scored a dramatic late equaliser as Arsenal conceded their first goals since September and had to settle for a point against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats have been a breath of fresh air on their return to the top flight and rose to the challenge of facing a side who had won their past 10 games across all competitions.
Sunderland were rewarded for an impressive first-half display when Dan Ballard – who came through the Arsenal academy – drove in the opener as the visitors let in a goal for the first time in 812 minutes.
Arsenal came out stronger in the second half and equalised when Declan Rice won the ball in midfield and it was worked to Bukayo Saka, who squeezed in a right-foot shot at the near post.
Martin Zubimendi struck the woodwork with a fierce effort as Arsenal pushed for a winner, which they thought they had got when Leandro Trossard sent a superb 20-yard finish into the top left corner.
But the hosts did not give up.
David Raya made one stop to thwart Brobbey, but the substitute was not to be denied when another chance came his way to be the Sunderland hero.
He hooked a shot into the back of the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time to spark delighted celebrations on Wearside.
The result means Arsenal are six points clear at the top, although that could be trimmed when third-placed Manchester City host champions Liverpool on Sunday.
Sunderland, meanwhile, remain unbeaten at home, with this point putting them fourth after Saturday’s games.
Sunderland analysis: Black Cats show battling qualities
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has gone better than any of their fans could have realistically expected. They have not just competed but excelled, with only two defeats from their 11 games.
Last month they claimed a memorable 2-1 win at Chelsea and, while this was not another victory, it is a result and performance that will be cherished just as much by their supporters.
The Gunners arrived at the Stadium of Light with remarkable momentum and credit must go to Black Cats boss Regis le Bris for using everything at his disposal to challenge Arsenal’s effectiveness.
That included bringing the advertising hoardings closer to the pitch to limit the distance Arsenal could get with long throws, while the hosts unsettled their opponents from the outset by getting into their faces at every opportunity.
They were led in this area and on the pitch in general by their talismanic captain Granit Xhaka, who clearly took great delight in disrupting his former side.
But above all Sunderland showed what they have displayed in many games this season – the desire to battle and fight until the very end – and that attitude earned them a result few would have expected before kick-off.
No side has scored more goals from the 90th minute onwards than Sunderland’s five, with three of those earning them two wins and now this impressive draw.
