Goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka right inside the Stadium of Light in Sunderland were enough as Arsenal ran home with all three (3) points with a 2-0 triumph over Sunderland FC in the Premier League match on Saturday 12 September, 2026.
For now, with the win, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have taken the top spot on the table, sitting above Manchester City, who have one unplayed game.
On Sunday evening, Manchester City will be looking to reclaim their top position when they lock horns with Manchester City in the Derby at Old Trafford at 16:30 (WAT).
The win on the road means Arsenal have successfully maintained their 100% start to the new season winning all four (4) top flight encounters.
After a first half that had no goal, the resilience of the Black Cats was eventually cracked open in the 58th minute when England midfielder, Declan Rice, provided for Guimaraes, who struck the back of the net to hand the visitors a well deserved lead.
Prior to Arsenal’s goal, Sunderland had a golden opportunity to go in front when they were awarded a penalty after Ezri Konsa was penalised for dragging down Dan Ballard in the box, however, goalkeeper, David Raya, saved the penalty by Enzo Le Fee.
A beautiful curl from 20 years out from Guimaraes put the Gunners ahead. It was his first goal for Arsenal since joining from Newcastle United in the summer.
And, in the 7th minute of additional time, Saka’s penalty sealed the victory for Arsenal. The visitors got the penalty after Saka was fouled by Reinildo Mandava, who was sent off after being shown his second yellow card.
The win also means Arsenal have remained unbeaten in the 2026/27 season as they have emerged victorious in all six (6) games in all competitions – the FA Community Shield (Final), four (4) Premier League games and one (1) Uefa Champions League game.
Currently, Arsenal are 1st on the table with twelve (12) points, while, Sunderland are 14th with four (4) points.
Next for Arsenal and Sunderland?
Arsenal will prepare for the EFL Cup 2026/27 third round contest against Ipswich Town at Portman Road in Ipswich, on Tuesday 15 September, 2026 at 20:00 (WAT).
While, Sunderland face AZ Alkmaar in the Uefa Europa League match on Wednesday 16 September, 2026 at Stadium of Light at 20:00 (WAT).
Sunderland may have lost the showdown to the superior determination of Arsenal, reigning Kings of England, they go home with positives from a display where they went face-to-face in a fierce fight against the Champions.
The clash against Dutch side, AZ Alkmaar, will be Sunderland’s first European game after more than five (5) decades.
Results
| Premier League 2026/27 – Saturday 12 September, 2026 |
| AFC Bournemouth 2-2 Brentford |
| Aston Villa 1-2 Nottingham Forest |
| Chelsea 2-2 Hull City |
| Crystal Palace 2-3 Ipswich Town |
| Liverpool 0-0 Fulham |
| Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Everton |
| Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal |
Reaction from Guimaraes
Arsenal new signing, Bruno Guimaraes, spoke to TNT Sports after his side’s victory at Sunderland; he said, he “feels very good” after opening the scoring for the Gunners.
The Brazil international described his goal as “beautiful”. Guimaraes said, he had a “great history” at St. James’ Park with Newcastle United, and plans to build a “new history” with the Gunners.
In his post-Sunderland comments, Guimaraes said: “It’s unbelievable. I feel very good.
“I scored a beautiful goal. It’s a beautiful moment for me and my family and I’m very happy.
“A beautiful goal in a very good place. I had an amazing history at Newcastle but now I’m trying to create a new history here and I’ve started in the right way.”
