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Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the season after goalkeeper David Raya’s penalty save and a brilliant strike from Bruno Guimaraes inspired a 2-0 win at Sunderland.
On 55 minutes, Gunners defender Ezri Konsa was penalised for pulling down Dan Ballard in the box. But Raya read Enzo le Fee’s penalty perfectly with a superb save low to his left.
The BBC reports that true significance of that stop became clear just 121 seconds later and half-time substitute Guimaraes curled home a stunning opener from 20 yards, crashing the ball in off the bar.
It was the summer signing’s first Arsenal goal and carried extra edge as it came against Sunderland — arch-rivals of his former club Newcastle United.
Arsenal sealed the win in the final seconds when Bukayo Saka slotted home a penalty after being fouled by Reinildo Mandava, who received a second yellow card and was sent off.
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The result means Mikel Arteta’s men have won all six games in all competitions this season, including four in the Premier League, to go top of the table.
Despite dominating possession with 66% in the first half, Arsenal were frustrated by a disciplined Sunderland side set up by Regis le Bris.
Their best chances before the break fell to Kai Havertz. The German fired over from six yards, before having a volley tipped over by home keeper Robin Roefs.
Arsenal nearly added a second before Saka’s late penalty when Ballard cleared Havertz’s effort off the line, while Jurrien Timber had a header ruled out for offside.
For Sunderland, it’s four points from four league games and they sit 14th in the standings.
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