Guimaraes thunderbolt seals Arsenal win at Sunderland after Raya penalty save

Arsenal maintained their 100% start to their Premier League title defence with a 2-0 win at Sunderland. Bruno Guimaraes struck 121 seconds after David Raya saved Enzo Le Fee's penalty, before Bukayo Saka added a late second from the spot.

  • Final score: Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal
  • Competition: Premier League
  • Key moment: David Raya saved Enzo Le Fee's penalty; Bruno Guimaraes scored 121 seconds later
  • Red card: Reinildo Mandava (Sunderland) sent off after conceding late penalty
  • Arsenal record: Maintained 100% start to Premier League title defence
  • Player ratings: Raya (8) and Guimaraes (7) the standout performers

Confirmed line-ups

Sunderland (4-3-3)

Starting XI: Robin Roefs; Thomas Meunier, Nordi Mukiele, Kevin Danso, Dan Ballard, Reinildo Mandava; Noah Sadiki, Granit Xhaka, Enzo Le Fee; Nilson Angulo, Brian Brobbey

Substitutes: Wilson Isidor, Malick Fofana, Dayann Methalie, Chemsdine Talbi, Chris Rigg, Luke O'Nien, Omar Alderete, Melker Ellborg, Trai Hulme

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Starting XI: David Raya; Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ezri Konsa, Ricardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Christos Tzolis; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz

Substitutes: Jurrien Timber, Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Piero Hincapie, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke

Selection notes

Sunderland named Kevin Danso for an unspectacular but assured home debut. Arsenal made two half-time changes: Jurrien Timber replaced Ben White and Bruno Guimaraes came on for Myles Lewis-Skelly. Arsenal's substitutes not used were Kepa Arrizabalaga, Piero Hincapie, Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke.

The numbers

  • 121 seconds: Time between David Raya's penalty save and Bruno Guimaraes' goal
  • David Raya rating: 8 (highest on the pitch)
  • Bruno Guimaraes rating: 7
  • Reinildo Mandava rating: 4 (lowest for Sunderland)
  • Ezri Konsa rating: 4
  • Myles Lewis-Skelly rating: 4

Raya and Guimaraes bail out a sub-par Arsenal

Arsenal were far from their best at the Stadium of Light, but the result is what matters in a title race. The game turned in a 121-second burst: David Raya saved Enzo Le Fee's soft penalty, and Bruno Guimaraes lashed home a brilliant strike moments later to score his first goal for the club. That decisive period summed up why the visitors left with three points despite a disjointed display.

Raya earned an 8 rating, making a superb penalty save when Arsenal were struggling. Guimaraes, a half-time replacement for Lewis-Skelly, took a 7 for his match-winning contribution. At the other end, Sunderland's Brian Brobbey made life miserable for Ezri Konsa and Ben White with his strength and hold-up play, earning a 7. Konsa was hauled down for the penalty and looked unconvincing when pressed, while White was replaced at the break after a lightweight defensive display.

The game had chances at both ends. Sunderland's Dan Ballard should have scored from an Xhaka free-kick but won a penalty instead, and Nordi Mukiele missed two late chances when his side trailed 1-0. Kai Havertz missed a clear chance at 0-0 but nearly scored a brilliant effort minutes later, while Bukayo Saka also failed to convert a one-on-one before winning and scoring the late penalty. Reinildo Mandava was sent off for conceding that spot-kick, having earlier been booked for fouling Saka.

Talking points

  • Arsenal's fringe players failed to impress: White and Lewis-Skelly were both withdrawn at half-time after poor displays, yet the substitutes changed the game.
  • Konsa was bullied by Brobbey all evening – does he keep his place or does Timber start after a better showing?
  • Bruno Guimaraes' instant impact off the bench raises questions about whether he should be starting ahead of a struggling midfielder.
  • Sunderland's profligacy cost them: Mukiele and Ballard had golden chances before Guimaraes punished them.

What happens next

Arsenal will look to extend their perfect start to the Premier League season in their next fixture, while Sunderland must regroup after a spirited but wasteful performance. Reinildo Mandava's suspension will be a concern for the Black Cats, and manager decisions on Konsa, White and Guimaraes will dominate the buildup to Arsenal's next match.

Frequently asked questions

What was the score between Sunderland and Arsenal?

Arsenal won 2-0 at Sunderland, with goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka. David Raya saved a penalty in between.

Who scored Arsenal's goals against Sunderland?

Bruno Guimaraes scored Arsenal's first, 121 seconds after David Raya's penalty save. Bukayo Saka added the second from the penalty spot late on.

Did Reinildo Mandava get sent off for Sunderland?

Yes, Reinildo Mandava was sent off after conceding the late penalty that Bukayo Saka converted, having earlier been booked for fouling Saka.

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