Raya’s save and Guimaraes strike in 121 seconds keep Arsenal perfect at Sunderland | OneFootball

Arsenal preserved their 100 per cent start with a 2-0 win at Sunderland, sealed by 121 seconds that transformed the night. David Raya saved Enzo Le Fee’s penalty, then Bruno Guimaraes struck his first Arsenal goal. Bukayo Saka added a stoppage-time penalty.

A tight first half brought few openings. Kai Havertz’s volley drew a sharp save from Robin Roefs, and Granit Xhaka’s backheel clearance denied him a header. NY Times highlights Arsenal’s growing depth and Raya’s influence.

Soon after the restart, referee John Brooks penalised Ezri Konsa for grappling with Dan Ballard. Le Fee’s kick was pushed onto the post by Raya, diving left, and within two minutes Guimaraes, on at half-time, took Declan Rice’s pass and found the top corner.

Nordi Mukiele’s backheel was blocked as Sunderland pressed. Jurrien Timber, on for the injured Ben White, headed in a Martin Odegaard free kick only to be flagged offside, and Mukiele forced another save from Raya.

In stoppage time, Reinildo fouled Saka to concede a penalty, collected a second yellow card and was sent off. Saka converted to clinch the points.

Raya’s intervention brought a third clean sheet in four league games, and excluding shootouts it was his fourth penalty save for Arsenal.

Guimaraes also released Saka for the move that earned the late penalty, underlining Arsenal’s midfield depth as Mikel Arteta rotates his options. Next up, Ipswich in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, September 15 at 8pm BST, then Brighton on Saturday, September 19 at 3pm BST.

Source: NY Times

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”