Arsenal maintained their perfect Premier League start with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Bruno Guimarães produced the breakthrough shortly after half-time, curling a superb effort into the top corner after being introduced from the bench.
The goal arrived just moments after David Raya had saved Enzo Le Fée’s penalty, with The Guardian’s live coverage detailing a dramatic spell that completely changed the contest.
Arsenal then added a second before full-time to put the result beyond Sunderland and secure another clean sheet for Mikel Arteta’s side.
David Raya changes Sunderland vs Arsenal
The key moment came with the game still goalless.
Sunderland were awarded a penalty after Ezri Konsa was penalised for his challenge on Danny Ballard.
Le Fée stepped up, but Raya produced a vital save to preserve Arsenal’s clean sheet.
Moments later, Sunderland were punished.
Guimarães found space outside the penalty area and curled an excellent finish beyond Robin Roefs for his first Arsenal goal following his £75million summer transfer.
It was an especially significant moment after Guimarães had started the evening among the substitutes.
ReadArsenal had already covered how Bruno Guimaraes was tipped for his first Arsenal league start at Sunderland, only for Arteta to select Myles Lewis-Skelly alongside Declan Rice instead.
The Brazilian ultimately made his impact from the bench.
Arsenal finally avoid Sunderland late drama
Sunderland again made life difficult for Arsenal at the Stadium of Light.
Brian Brobbey gave the Arsenal defence a physical test after scoring the dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in this fixture last season.
ReadArsenal highlighted that danger before kick-off in our look at the familiar Sunderland threat Arsenal needed to stop.
Arsenal also knew from their recent head-to-head record against Sunderland just how awkward the trip could become.
There was further frustration when Jurriën Timber had an effort ruled out, but Arsenal remained composed as Sunderland pushed for a response. The Guardian’s match coverage also reported the disallowed goal and Sunderland’s sustained pressure.
Arteta’s side eventually found the second goal they needed to remove any prospect of another late Sunderland comeback.
The victory means Arsenal have now won each of their opening four Premier League matches.
It also follows Wednesday’s Champions League victory away to Napoli, making this another significant result during a demanding week for Arteta’s squad.
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