Guimaraes and Saka Seal Arsenal Win at Sunderland to Keep Perfect Start
Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-0 win at Sunderland, goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka moving the champions three points clear at the top.
It was a harder afternoon than the scoreline suggests. Sunderland missed a penalty and created chances throughout, but Arsenal have now won all four of their opening fixtures and conceded just once all season.
Raya's Save Changes the Game
The first half was a stalemate, with Sunderland defending well and Arsenal unable to find a way through.
The turning point came in the 56th minute. Referee John Brooks awarded Sunderland a penalty after Ezri Konsa brought down Daniel Ballard in the area, but David Raya dived to his left and palmed Enzo Le Fee's spot-kick onto the post.
Two minutes later Arsenal led. Guimaraes, introduced at half-time, collected the ball on the edge of the box and struck it into the top corner off the underside of the crossbar. It was his first goal since joining in the summer from Newcastle, Sunderland's fiercest rivals.
Sunderland pushed for an equaliser, Nordi Mukiele going close three times and Raya making two further good saves. Arsenal held on and then added a second in stoppage time, Saka breaking clear on the counter before being brought down by Reinildo Mandava, who was sent off for a second yellow. Saka converted the penalty himself.
Arsenal had made four changes from their midweek Champions League win over Napoli. Sunderland named an unchanged side from their draw at Brentford and slipped to a second league defeat.
Liverpool Stall Again
Elsewhere in Matchweek 4, Liverpool were held to a goalless draw by Fulham at Anfield, a third dropped point in four matches under Andoni Iraola.
Chelsea also failed to win, drawing 2-2 at home to promoted Hull City, who continue to impress after beating Manchester United on the opening weekend. Belloumi scored Hull's equaliser after Pedro had levelled for Chelsea.
Tottenham and Everton played out a goalless draw, leaving Spurs still searching for a first win of the campaign.
Nottingham Forest won 2-1 at Aston Villa, Gabriel Jesus finishing off a flowing move to break the deadlock after Alysson had levelled with a flicked header. Villa remain without a league victory and the pressure on Unai Emery continues to build. Ipswich Town edged Crystal Palace 3-2 in a five-goal match at Selhurst Park, Flemming scoring the winner after Strand Larsen had brought Palace level. Bournemouth and Brentford drew 2-2.
The Table Takes Shape
Arsenal's four wins from four leave them three points clear at the summit, with the only goal they have conceded coming in their opening fixture.
Their next assignment is a trip to Brighton. Sunderland travel to Manchester City, though they first face AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.
