Arsenal Keep Winning Run Alive With Victory at Sunderland

Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 Premier League season with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

The defending champions made it four wins from four league matches, moving to 12 points and keeping their place at the top of the table.

The Gunners had to work for the victory, with Sunderland proving difficult to break down during a goalless first half.

Kai Havertz came closest to opening the scoring before the interval, forcing Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs into a save, while the hosts also created opportunities from set pieces and through Brian Brobbey’s physical presence in attack.

The match changed shortly after half-time.

Sunderland were awarded a penalty after Ezri Konsa brought down Dan Ballard in the area, giving Enzo Le Fée an opportunity to put the hosts ahead.

However, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a crucial save, keeping out Le Fée’s effort and preventing Sunderland from taking the lead.

Just 121 seconds later, Arsenal took advantage of the momentum.

Substitute Bruno Guimarães received the ball from Declan Rice outside the penalty area and produced a spectacular strike into the top corner to give Arsenal the lead.

It was Guimarães’ first goal for Arsenal since joining the club and came after he had been introduced at half-time. The Brazilian, a former Newcastle United player, had been booed by sections of the Sunderland crowd following his arrival on the pitch.

Arsenal then had opportunities to extend their advantage, with Saka testing Roefs and Sunderland continuing to threaten at the other end.

The hosts came close to an equaliser late in the match, but Arsenal’s defence held firm.

The visitors eventually sealed the points in stoppage time after Sunderland defender Reinildo was sent off for a second yellow card following a foul on Saka inside the penalty area.

Saka stepped up to take the resulting penalty and converted to make it 2-0 with virtually the final kick of the game.

The result means Arsenal have collected 12 points from their opening four Premier League matches. They have also conceded just once in the league during their perfect start.

Sunderland, meanwhile, remain on four points after their opening four matches.

Arsenal will now look to extend their winning run as the early title race begins to take shape.