Arsenal grind past Sunderland to preserve flawless Premier League start

Arsenal kept their flawless Premier League start with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, 12 September 2026, as Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka found the net.

First‑half dominance

The Gunners controlled the tempo but struggled to break the Black Cats’ defence, mustering only five shots, two on target, while Sunderland managed a 33 percent possession rate and an equal number of attempts with a meagre expected‑goals tally.

Early chances fell to Declan Rice, whose pass released Saka, only for the winger’s effort to be flicked into the arms of Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs. Granit Xhaka’s free‑kick curled towards Dan Ballard, who headed wide, and Gabriel Magalhaes saw his low strike fizz harmlessly.

Second‑half turning points

Eleven minutes after the restart, the hosts were awarded a penalty when Dan Ballard was hauled down in the area; Enzo Le Fee stepped up, but David Raya made a brilliant save, palming the ball onto the left post.

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Two minutes later, Bruno Guimaraes seized the moment, firing a superb strike from the edge of the box into the top corner – his first goal for Arsenal since joining from Newcastle in the summer.

Late drama unfolded when Reinildo Mandava received a second yellow and was sent off; Saka then slotted home from the spot to seal the win.

The official score (Os) stayed at two‑zero, giving the Gunners their fourth Premier League win from as many games and leaving Sunderland with their second defeat.

A PA Images photograph captured Guimaraes’ delighted celebration, while the kick that sparked the comeback will be remembered by both sets of fans.