Arsenal beats Sunderland and takes three-point lead over City

Arsenal claimed their fourth straight Premier League win by beating Sunderland 2-0 away on Saturday, consolidating their provisional lead in the English championship.

Long held at bay, the Gunners had to wait until the 58th minute to make the difference. Bruno Guimarães unlocked the situation with a stunning strike from outside the box, the ball going straight into the top corner. The Brazilian opener ended the resistance of the hosts, who had contained London’s assaults until then.

The scenario became more tense in the closing seconds. After Reinildo’s red card, Arsenal was awarded a penalty that Bukayo Saka converted in the 96th minute, sealing the score and removing all suspense.

This fourth win in as many matches allows Mikel Arteta’s side to provisionally take a three-point lead over Manchester City in the standings. City, however, have a game in hand, which they will play on Sunday in the derby against Manchester United. A City victory this weekend would bring the two teams level on points.

Arsenal had launched their season with a notable win against Chelsea (2-1), confirming the ambitions of a club aiming to end a long drought in the championship. Defensive solidity and the ability to secure results in difficult moments, as at Sunderland, are the first encouraging signs of a campaign that promises to be tight at the top.