Arsenal maintain perfect start as Premier League leaders after victory at Sunderland, with David Raya making the difference

The Gunners’ victory was one of the standout results of Saturday’s Matchday 4 action in the English top flight. Here are all the details.

Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the 2026-27 Premier League season with a 0-2 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Mikel Arteta’s side remain the outright league leaders and are the only team to have won their opening four matches of the campaign.

The victory had one decisive protagonist: David Raya. The Spanish goalkeeper stepped up when his team needed him most, saving a penalty with the score still 0-0. Just one minute later, Bruno Guimaraes scored a spectacular goal that completely changed the course of the match.

THE HERO WHO CHANGED THE GAME

The match was far from easy for Arsenal. Arteta’s team struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized and aggressive Sunderland, particularly in the first half.

Kai Havertz came close with an effort that sailed over the crossbar, while Bukayo Saka also struggled to turn Arsenal’s attacking moves into sustained danger.

The situation became even more difficult in the 55th minute. Ezri Konsa was penalized for holding Dan Ballard during a set-piece, and the referee awarded a penalty.

Enzo Le Fée, who had already converted from the spot on the previous matchday, once again stepped up. This time, however, David Raya had the answer.

The Spanish goalkeeper read the direction of the shot, dove low and got a hand to the ball to keep it out. The effort also struck the post, but Raya’s save was decisive in preserving the 0-0 scoreline.

The stop proved to be the turning point of the match.

Just one minute later, Bruno Guimaraes received the ball on the edge of the box, looked up and curled a spectacular effort into the top corner. The Brazilian, who had just come on as a substitute, put Arsenal ahead 1-0 in the 58th minute, making the most of one of the Gunners’ first major opportunities.

SWEET CONFIDENCE

With the lead, Arsenal found more space to counterattack. Bukayo Saka played an important role in the transitions, although the London side lacked the precision needed to put the game beyond doubt earlier.

Sunderland refused to give up. Brian Brobbey came close to equalizing with a backheel attempt, while Nordi Mukiele tested the Arsenal defense with a turn-and-shoot effort that created danger.

But Arsenal held firm and eventually found their second goal in the 98th minute, with Saka converting from the penalty spot to secure all three points.

The victory confirms the Gunners’ spectacular start to the season: four matches, four wins and 12 points. Mikel Arteta’s team also continues to boast a defense that has once again become one of its greatest strengths.

And David Raya has played a major role in that defensive performance, once again showing why he has been one of the standout goalkeepers in English football in recent years.

Arsenal did not need to dominate from start to finish to win. They needed to withstand Sunderland’s pressure, capitalize on their opportunities and have a decisive Raya between the posts.

With 12 points from a possible 12, the Gunners remain at the top of the Premier League and are sending a clear message to the rest of the division: they intend to compete for the title until the very end.