Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-0 as Guimaraes and Saka keep perfect start

Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-0 at the Stadium of Light on Saturday night, keeping a perfect Premier League start with Bruno Guimaraes’ first Gunners goal and a stoppage-time Bukayo Saka penalty. Kick-off was 20:00 BST, or 3am SGT on Sunday (13 September 2026).

Bruno Guimaraes celebrates with Arsenal teammates after scoring against Sunderland
Bruno Guimaraes after Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Sunderland, 12 September 2026. Photo: Arsenal.com

Raya saves, Guimaraes strikes

Sunderland were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute after Ezri Konsa fouled Dan Ballard. David Raya dived left and turned Enzo Le Fee’s spot-kick onto the post. About two minutes later, half-time substitute Guimaraes collected from Declan Rice outside the box and curled into the top corner off the underside of the bar for 0-1.

It was Guimaraes’ first Arsenal goal on his return to the North East, after spells of home jeers tied to his Newcastle past. Guimaraes scored in the 58th minute; Saka converted a 90+7 penalty later for 0-2.

Bruno Guimaraes and Mikel Arteta celebrate Arsenal win at Sunderland
Bruno Guimaraes with Mikel Arteta after scoring at Sunderland. Photo: Arsenal.com

Saka seals it from the spot

Deep in stoppage time Saka was fouled by Reinildo Mandava on the counter. Reinildo collected a second yellow and went off. Saka took the penalty himself and scored in the seventh added minute for 0-2, Arsenal’s fourth league win from four and 12 points from 12.

Raya also denied Nordi Mukiele late on. Mikel Arteta told club media the Guimaraes finish was “incredible” and praised the team’s response after a physical night on Wearside. Sunderland sit on four points from four after a second league defeat.

David Raya diving in match action during Arsenal vs Sunderland
Match action from Arsenal at Sunderland, 12 September 2026. Photo: BBC Sport

What it means in the table

Arsenal lead the Premier League on 12 points. Manchester City can draw level if they win the Manchester derby on Sunday (16:30 BST). Full report and line-ups are on Arsenal.com and the BBC Sport match hub.

Jade Yeo
Jade Yeo
Jade Yeo is Little Big Red Dot's Health, Fitness & Active Lifestyle Editor. She motivates readers to move, stay healthy, and live actively — without being preachy or intimidating. She believes health and fitness should be accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for everyone.

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