Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland: David Raya penalty save and Bruno Guimaraes goal extend winning run to nine
Arsenal won 2-0 at Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday, with David Raya saving Enzo le Fee's penalty and substitute Bruno Guimaraes scoring a stunning opener. The victory is Arsenal's ninth successive Premier League win, a run not achieved since the Invincibles in 2003-04.
- Competition: Premier League
- Result: Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal
- Key moment: David Raya saved Enzo le Fee's penalty in the 60th minute
- Goals: Bruno Guimaraes (62'), Arsenal's second goal not specified in source
- Win streak: Arsenal's ninth successive Premier League victory
- Clean sheets: Five in six matches in all competitions this season
What was said
"It's a judo roll from the opponent. Ezri [Konsa] does nothing. Just watch it. We have a lot of cameras and VAR, we have to take responsibility to protect the game. Today the game was unprotected and it could have cost us the game and the momentum which is a really, really serious thing."
"This should never happen, it's not fair, and I am sad, very sad, in that sense. I'm making it very clear publicly because it's for the game, it's not only for Arsenal, this cannot happen at this level. It's not acceptable, I've watched it 20 times and can't think of why it was given."
"With the new laws trying to get rid of the grappling, Konsa is all over Ballard. You have to be looking at the ball."
"Ballard was holding Konsa's arm but you run the risk. They want to stamp down on it so there is no point arguing about it."
"It's absolutely not a penalty. He has got it completely wrong, Konsa's shoulder is pulled down by Ballard and he lands on top. It's like a perfect toss in judo. It's very clever by Ballard but in no way is it a penalty."
"He keeps us alive in the game, that unbelievable moment saving the penalty. I think after this moment we [took from it] a big confidence to play forward and score our goal."
"This penalty save is exceptional. He gets out so quick. For me he's the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and one of the best in the world."
"It is a fantastic win and the ground work was done by the defence. They have weathered the storm and the goalkeeper steps up and makes a wonderful save. He is very important to Arsenal and what they achieve. He was magnificent and doesn't get the credit he deserves."
"That goal is about personality and character. It was him saying: I am going to make my mark at this football club. He has been watching on the sidelines, but has said: 'Take a look at me - this is what I can do.' Boy did he shut the crowd up. A class player, going to the next level."
"It was a beautiful goal. 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."
"We knew we would have to go through some difficult and chaotic moments to have the right to win this game. But we have done it."
Arteta's anger at the penalty decision dominated his post-match interviews, but he also praised his side's defensive resilience. The Arsenal manager was booked in the first half for repeatedly leaving his technical area.
Guimaraes, meanwhile, seized his opportunity after a difficult start to life at Arsenal. The Brazilian's goal was described as a "goal of the season contender" by Keown.
The numbers
- Arsenal's ninth successive Premier League victory – first time since 2003-04
- Five clean sheets in six matches in all competitions this season
- Clean sheets in all three away matches this season
- David Raya's penalty save was his second in the Premier League
- Guimaraes' £75m summer move from Newcastle
Injury and availability
Bruno Guimaraes has recovered from a minor hamstring injury and made his mark as a substitute. No other injury news was reported in the source.
Why Arteta trusts Raya and Guimaraes to deliver in tight matches
Arsenal's victory at Sunderland was built on the kind of gritty defensive performance that has become their trademark. David Raya, criticised at times last season, produced a match-winning save from Enzo le Fee's penalty at a crucial juncture. The Spanish goalkeeper's intervention kept the score level and allowed Arsenal to go on and win.
In front of him, the defence held firm against a physical Sunderland side. Ezri Konsa, who conceded the penalty, was part of a backline that recorded another clean sheet – their fifth in six matches this season. Martin Keown praised the groundwork done by the defence, highlighting their ability to weather the storm.
Going forward, Arsenal were not at their fluid best, but Bruno Guimaraes provided the moment of genius. The £75m summer signing from Newcastle curled in a stunning opener off the underside of the crossbar just two minutes after Raya's save. It was a goal that showcased his personality and character, as Keown noted. Guimaraes has had a tough start to life at Arsenal, failing to start a match since the Community Shield, but his performance at Sunderland suggests he is ready to make his mark.
Talking points
- Should the Sunderland penalty have been given? Arteta insists it was a "judo roll" by Dan Ballard, but referees are under instructions to clamp down on grappling.
- Is David Raya now the best goalkeeper in the Premier League? Thomas Frank thinks so, and his penalty save was crucial.
- Does Bruno Guimaraes deserve to start ahead of Arsenal's other midfielders after his match-winning cameo?
- Can Arsenal maintain their nine-game winning run and challenge for the title? Their defensive solidity suggests they can.
What happens next
Arsenal return to action in the Premier League next weekend, looking to extend their winning run to ten matches. The Gunners will also be in Champions League action, where they will aim to continue their strong start to the season. Sunderland, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from this narrow defeat.
Frequently asked questions
Did David Raya save a penalty against Sunderland?
Yes, David Raya saved Enzo le Fee's penalty in the second half, tipping the ball onto the post to keep the score at 0-0.
Who scored Arsenal's goals against Sunderland?
Bruno Guimaraes scored Arsenal's opener in the 62nd minute. The source does not specify who scored the second goal.
Why was Sunderland awarded a penalty against Arsenal?
Sunderland were awarded a penalty when Ezri Konsa was judged to have fouled Dan Ballard at a corner, though Arteta and others disputed the decision.
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