Arsenal make it four from four after hard-fought win at Sunderland

Mikel Arteta’s side have now won their opening four league matches, a feat Arsenal have achieved only six times in their history. The result also continued their strong record against Sunderland, with Arsenal losing only one of their last 30 league meetings with the Black Cats.

Match highlight

Arsenal began well at Wearside and had the first clear chance of the game. Saka found himself around eight metres from goal, but his mishit effort was easily dealt with by Robin Roefs.

Sunderland had an opening of their own moments earlier. Granit Xhaka delivered an excellent ball to the back post, where Daniel Ballard could not make the contact needed to trouble the Arsenal goal.

The visitors continued to dominate possession and search for an opener. Gabriel Magalhaes dragged a low effort narrowly wide, while Roefs produced a fine save to keep out Kai Havertz’s instinctive finish.

Sunderland stayed in the match and nearly created a surprise before half-time. Enzo Le Fee tried his luck from 25 metres, but the shot went wide. The home side had been difficult to break down and carried enough threat to keep Arsenal alert.

Sunderland began the second half with more purpose. They had not beaten a top-five Premier League side last season, drawing five and losing five, but they looked determined to change that record.

Their biggest chance came in the 54th minute. Ezri Konsa brought Ballard down in the penalty area and Sunderland were awarded a spot-kick. Le Fee stepped up, but David Raya made an outstanding save to deny the French midfielder.

That moment changed the match.

Only minutes after Raya’s save, Arsenal took the lead. Bruno Guimaraes, introduced at half-time and facing his former club Newcastle’s regional rivals, received the ball outside the area and struck a brilliant long-range effort into the top corner. It was his first Arsenal goal and gave the visitors the breakthrough they had struggled to find.

Saka then had a great chance to make it 2-0 but fired straight at Roefs from 12 metres.

Sunderland refused to give up. Nordi Mukiele went close twice from short range as Regis Le Bris’ side pushed for an equaliser, but Arsenal held firm under pressure.

The home side’s attacking commitment left gaps late on. Reinildo fouled Saka in the box and received a second yellow card. Saka took responsibility from the penalty spot and converted calmly in stoppage time to make sure of Arsenal’s win.

Arsenal move three points clear at the top of the Premier League in the early stages of the season. Sunderland can take encouragement from a committed display, but Raya’s penalty save and Bruno’s moment of quality proved decisive.