Arsenal continued their flawless run this campaign, edging past a stubborn Sunderland thanks to two standout moments from goalkeeper David Raya and substitute Bruno Guimaraes.
The hosts were awarded a spot kick just past the hour mark after Ezri Konsa tugged back Dan Ballard inside the area, but Raya guessed correctly, diving to his left to deny Enzo le Fee from twelve yards.
Barely two minutes later, the save paid off handsomely. Guimaraes, introduced at the interval, unleashed a stunning effort from distance that dipped in off the crossbar, marking his maiden goal for the club. The strike carried extra weight given it arrived against a side considered bitter rivals of his old team, Newcastle United.
Bukayo Saka wrapped things up deep into stoppage time, converting from the spot after Reinildo Mandava brought him down and received a second caution, reducing the visitors to ten men.
Mikel Arteta’s side now boast six victories from as many outings across all competitions this season, sitting atop the Premier League standings courtesy of four wins in four.
For long spells, though, Arsenal struggled to break down a well organised Sunderland outfit despite controlling 66 percent of possession before the interval. Kai Havertz squandered two presentable openings, while Ballard produced a superb goal line clearance to thwart the German striker.
Raya’s contribution proved decisive elsewhere too, recording his fifth shutout in six matches and later tipping away a dangerous Granit Xhaka delivery as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.
Sunderland remain stuck on four points from four fixtures, languishing in fourteenth position, while Arsenal have now opened a top flight campaign with four straight wins for only the sixth occasion in their history.
