Bruno Guimaraes was sprung from the bench to set Arsenal on their way to a battling 2-0 win away to Sunderland, with Bukayo Saka adding a penalty deep in added time to ensure the champions’ 100% start to the season continues.
The half-time substitute Guimaraes, formerly of Newcastle United, drove a right-footed attempt in off the bar before cupping his ears in front of the home fans.
Guimaraes’ goal arrived moments after David Raya had saved Enzo Le Fee’s penalty kick, following a foul by Ezri Konsa on Dan Ballard.
Raya also produced a brilliant late save to deny Nordi Mukiele from close range as Mikel Arteta, who was booked in the first half for stepping out of his technical area, saw his team bag a late second when Saka was fouled in the box and converted his own spot kick.
Follow all of the reaction from the Stadium of Light below:
Keown says Arsenal depth was the difference
The former defender, working as a pundit for TNT Sports, said: “Yes, of course it’s early in the season, but Bruno Guimaraes has had limited involvement up to now. But what a way to announce yourself to the Arsenal away fans.
“Incredible strike, he must have heard the boos all around this stadium and boy did that shut the crowd up. I mean, what a hit that was, an incredible strike, a class player, it’s going to the next level and in these moments it’s the squad we talked about.
“You look to the bench, it just looked like it could be his moment, he came in and he made the difference.”
Arteta fumes over penalty call
“I’m so upset,” he tells TNT Sports. “It’s unacceptable at this level. Unacceptable. This can change the course of a season. The championship, it’s unacceptable. I’ve seen it 10 times to make sure, because I watched it live and I said ‘it’s not possible at this level it’s going to be a penalty.’
“It’s a judo roll, that’s what it is. It cannot happen. I’ve been in football for almost 28 years, it’s not a penalty in any case, in any game, in any context, in any league.”
Bruno hails ‘beautiful goal’
“Beautiful goal and a very good place,” the former Newcastle man tells TNT Sports. “Everyone knows my past, I had an amazing history at Newcastle, but now I’m trying to create a new history here and I start with the right foot.”
FULL-TIME! Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal
That’s our lot. The Gunners retain their 100% record but this was not an easy win and it was not pretty at all. Sunderland did well for long spells but David Raya was exceptional in the visiting goal.
GOAL! Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal (Saka 97pen)
Saka tucks it into the bottom right corner. Roefs goes the right way but can’t reach it.
Penalty Arsenal! Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
96’ – On the counterattack Saka is dragged down by Reinildo. It’s an obvious penalty and he is shown a second yellow to compound the misery.
Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
94’ – Another minute passes by and Arsenal appear well set to seal another 1-0 win. Brobbey sees a header under pressure easily saved by Raya.
Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
93’ – Havertz is booked for slowing down Roefs from taking a quick free kick. Not much football being played right now.
