Arsenal take the lead after Raya’s penalty save and Guimaraes’ strike
Bruno Guimaraes put Arsenal ahead at the Stadium of Light ten minutes into the second half, two minutes after David Raya’s spectacular penalty save denied Enzo Le Fee. The Brazilian’s curling strike from outside the box left the Sunderland keeper stranded.
The opening half saw both Arsenal and Sunderland launch relentless attacks, yet the scoreboard remained untouched at the break.
Penalty drama and Raya’s save
Sunderland earned a penalty when Konsa wrestled Ballard to the ground while defending a set piece, prompting the referee to point to the spot.
Enzo Le Fee stepped up, but David Raya, the Spaniard, dived to his left, extended his arms and tipped the ball onto the post, preserving the deadlock.
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Two minutes after the save, half‑time substitute Bruno Guimaraes, a former Newcastle star, collected a pass from Rice on the edge of the box, took one touch and unleashed a powerful shot that curled into the top‑right corner beyond the Sunderland keeper.
The goal broke the 0‑0 stalemate and gave Arsenal the first lead of the encounter, silencing the Stadium of Light crowd.
Both sides continued to press, but Arsenal’s momentum grew as they capitalised on the breakthrough.