THU 01 OCT   10:48:04

ARSENAL BEAT SUNDERLAND 2-0 AS ARTETA ATTACKS PENALTY DECISION

SUN 13 SEP 2026

Arsenal maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-0 victory at Sunderland on Saturday, extending their record to four consecutive league wins. Bruno Guimaraes scored in the 57th minute with a shot that curled past goalkeeper Robin Roefs, and Bukayo Saka added a second from the penalty spot in stoppage time. The result kept Arsenal top of the Premier League with 12 points from four matches. Manager Mikel Arteta received a yellow card for stepping outside his technical area during the match.

Arteta's post-match focus centred on a penalty awarded to Sunderland in the 55th minute after referee John Brooks judged Ezri Konsa to have fouled Dan Ballard. Goalkeeper David Raya saved Enzo Le Fee's attempt from 12 yards, a save Raya described as crucial to maintaining team morale. Arteta stated he had reviewed the incident multiple times and insisted it should not have been awarded. He characterised Ballard's movement as a "judo roll" and told TNT Sports: "It's unacceptable at this level. This can change the course of a season, the championship. I've been in football for almost 28 years, it's not a penalty in any case, in any game, in any context, in any league." The penalty decision was checked by VAR before being upheld.

Arsenal's record across all competitions now stands at six victories in six matches, including the Community Shield. Sunderland midfielder Enzo Le Fee was named in France's provisional squad for forthcoming Nations League matches. Late in the game, Sunderland defender Reinildo was sent off for fouling Saka, receiving a second yellow card in relation to the stoppage-time penalty.

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