Arsenal strengthened their grip on top spot in the Premier League on Saturday as defending champions extended their lead to three points after beating Sunderland 2-0, while Liverpool and Chelsea both dropped points at home.Arsenal were made to work hard for the victory at the Stadium of Light, but Bruno Guimaraes produced the moment that unlocked the game. The Brazil midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Sunderland’s fierce local rivals Newcastle in the summer, came off the bench at half-time and curled a superb long-range effort into the top corner in the 58th minute.His celebration added another layer to an already emotional occasion. After being booed by the home supporters, Guimaraes cupped his ears as he ran towards the corner.“It is a beautiful moment for me and my family,” Guimaraes told TNT Sports. “Everyone knows my amazing history at Newcastle, but now I’m trying to create a new history here. I’ve started on the right foot.”Bukayo Saka then sealed Arsenal’s victory from the penalty spot in the seventh minute of added time after Sunderland defender Reinildo Mandava was sent off for bringing down the forward inside the box.
Raya saves Arsenal after controversial penalty
Arsenal’s victory could have taken a very different turn when Sunderland were awarded a penalty. Enzo Le Fee stepped up, but David Raya produced a crucial save.Mikel Arteta was furious with the decision to award Sunderland the spot-kick, which came after Ezri Konsa was adjudged to have held Dan Ballard during a set-piece.“It’s a huge win, but it could have been something very different,” Arteta said. “It’s unacceptable at this level. Unacceptable. This changes the course of the season, the championship, and it’s not acceptable.”The Premier League confirmed the penalty was awarded for holding, but Arteta remained adamant that the decision was wrong.“I’ve been in football for almost 27 years, 28 years. It’s not a penalty in any case, in any game, in any context, in any league,” he said.Arsenal’s victory moved them three points clear at the summit, with Manchester City second ahead of Sunday’s derby against Manchester United.
Liverpool’s Alexander Isak in action with Fulham’s David Affengruber. (Reuters Photo)
Liverpool held as big-money attack misfires
Liverpool missed the chance to keep pace with Arsenal after being held to a goalless draw by Fulham at Anfield.The result was particularly frustrating given the club’s huge investment in attack. British-record signing Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz and Victor Munoz all failed to find a breakthrough against a Fulham side that had entered the match without a clean sheet and without a league point.Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson admitted the home side failed to produce its best football.“Collectively we didn’t play well. Many things we tried to do, we couldn’t do well,” Alisson said.Manager Andoni Iraola was also disappointed after Liverpool’s run of back-to-back wins was halted.“When you draw, especially at home, you can’t be happy,” Iraola said. “Today we lacked a bit of freshness and we did not do enough offensively to make the difference.”
Chelsea’s Pep Chavarria, left, is tackled by Hull City’s John Egan. (AP Photo)
Chelsea’s defensive woes continue
Chelsea also surrendered points at Stamford Bridge, drawing 2-2 with newly promoted Hull.Morgan Rogers put Chelsea ahead in the seventh minute, but Mohamed Belloumi struck twice to turn the match around before Joao Pedro rescued a point for the hosts with a 66th-minute equaliser.The result extended Chelsea’s defensive concerns. Xabi Alonso’s side have conceded at least two goals in every Premier League game and 12 across their last six matches in all competitions.“We can do better. We got what we deserved,” Alonso said. “We need to be more solid and be more controlled. New players and new staff. This is the process. In a few months I’m sure we’ll be able to control better.”Elsewhere, Tottenham remained without a Premier League goal after a 0-0 draw with Everton, while Aston Villa’s miserable start continued with a 2-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. Ipswich beat 10-man Crystal Palace 3-2 through Zian Flemming’s 90th-minute winner, while Bournemouth and Brentford played out a 2-2 draw.
