Arsenal preserved their flawless start to the 2026/27 Premier League season with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday evening.
Bruno Guimarães and Bukayo Saka scored the goals as Mikel Arteta’s side secured a fourth consecutive league win, remaining top of the table with a maximum 12 points and having conceded just one goal all season.
The first half was a tense, tightly contested affair at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland defending resolutely and limiting clear chances. Arsenal made several changes from their midweek Champions League win over Napoli, including starts for Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christos Tzolis and Kai Havertz.
The breakthrough came after a pivotal moment early in the second half. Sunderland were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute when Ezri Konsa was penalised, but David Raya produced a brilliant save to deny Enzo Le Fée, tipping the spot-kick onto the post.
Just two minutes later, Arsenal took the lead. Half-time substitute Guimarães, making his impact after joining from Newcastle United in the summer, collected the ball on the edge of the area and curled a superb strike into the top corner for his first goal in Arsenal colours.
Sunderland continued to press and created further opportunities, with Nordi Mukiele going close on several occasions, but Raya and the Arsenal defence stood firm. Deep into stoppage time, Reinildo Mandava brought down Saka in the box, receiving a second yellow card and a red. Saka stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty in the 90+7th minute to seal the victory.
The result extended Arsenal’s perfect league record and underlined their credentials as they defended the Premier League title. Sunderland, who showed plenty of spirit on their return to the top flight, remain mid-table with four points from four matches.