Sunderland v Arsenal

It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t perfect. But boy was that important. Arsenal show they are champion material once again with a gritty, gutsy away performance against a stubborn and physical Sunderland side. Arteta’s side continue their perfect start to the season with their fourth consecutive Premier League victory, having still only conceded a single goal. And after a first-half stalemate, characterised by some solid Sunderland defending, it was a former Newcastle man who delivered the first blow to the Black Cats' resistance, as half-time substitute Guimaraes picked the ball up on the edge of the box and slammed his first Arsenal goal into the top corner. That was less than two minutes after Le Fee had seen his penalty saved brilliantly by Raya following Konsa’s clumsy challenge on Ballard. But despite that painful swing in momentum, Le Bris’ side fought back valiantly, with Brobbey causing all sorts of problems for Gabriel and especially Konsa. Mukiele went close on three occasions in the closing stages as Sunderland created 1.64 xG and forced Raya into two excellent saves. But Arsenal held firm and managed the chaos in typical fashion as tempers flared. Following a flurry of yellow cards in injury time, Saka broke free on the counter and was brought down inside the area by Reinildo, who was dismissed for a second yellow card and Saka squeezed his penalty past Roefs to secure the points for Arsenal, who were ultimately good value for their margin of victory, creating 1.97 xG. Arteta turns the pressure back onto Enzo Maresca with an excellent away victory, sending Arsenal three points clear at the top heading into their trip to Brighton next weekend. Sunderland, meanwhile, will take plenty from that display. They travel to Man City next weekend, but not before they face AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League. Thanks for following, we’ll see you next time!

FULL TIME: SUNDERLAND 0-2 ARSENAL

90'+7'

Penalty - Scored

GOOOOOALL!!! SAKA SLOTS HOME! Arsenal have their second with the final kick of the game. Saka squeezes his penalty past Roefs and into the bottom corner, despite the Sunderland keeper getting a decent glove to it. Game, set and match. Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal.

90'+6'

Red Card

It is an unfortunate moment for Reinildo, who has been good on the left side tonight. He had to stay with Saka and his tiring legs could not keep up.

ARSENAL HAVE A PENALTY! Saka breaks clear once again into the penalty area and is tracked by a tiring Reinildo for 20 or 30 metres. Saka gets his body across and falls to the floor under contact. Brooks points to the spot and Reinildo, who is already booked, knows he has to walk.

We are deep into six minutes of injury time and it has been utter chaos. Arsenal have managed the game relatively well amidst the drama, but there are cards and tackles and crosses flying in all directions. Importantly though for Arsenal, not near Raya's goal.