Arsenal continue their unbeaten run in the Premier League, but the champions had to work hard to get past a particularly stubborn Sunderland side. At the end of a match that remained in the balance for a long time, David Raya and Bruno Guimarães were the key men in a victory that was finally sealed by Bukayo Saka.
Raya changes the match
After a goalless first half, Sunderland won a penalty in the 54th minute. Enzo Le Fée stepped up, but David Raya pushed his effort onto the post two minutes later.
A crucial save, as Arsenal struck immediately afterwards at the other end.
Guimarães answers the boos
Brought on at half-time by Mikel Arteta, Bruno Guimarães found himself at the heart of the action in a stadium that jeered him because of his past at Newcastle.
In the 58th minute, the Brazilian picked up the ball at the edge of the box and curled a magnificent strike into the top corner. A goal that turned the match around.
Arteta explained after the match that he had specifically wanted to bring more control to the midfield with Guimarães.
Sunderland kept pushing regardless. Arsenal struggled and defended deep before conceding a penalty in stoppage time. Reinildo was sent off for a second booking and Bukayo Saka converted in the 97th minute.
Arteta was nevertheless very critical of the penalty awarded to Sunderland, believing that the foul on Ballard did not deserve such a decision.
Arsenal win 2-0, remain four wins from four matchdays and keep their full confidence intact.
Starting lineups
Sunderland: Roefs — Mukiele, Reinildo, Sadiki, Danso, Ballard — Angulo, Xhaka, Brobbey, Le Fée, Meunier.
Arsenal: Raya — White, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Konsa, Gabriel — Saka, Rice, Havertz, Ødegaard, Tzolis.
Substitutions
Arsenal
- 46': Guimarães and Timber replace Lewis-Skelly and White
- 82': Eze and Zubimendi replace Rice and Tzolis
- 85': Merino replaces Ødegaard
Sunderland
- 70': Isidor replaces Angulo
- 76': Fofana replaces Meunier
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