Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal, and the game turned in 121 seconds. Enzo Le Fée had a penalty in the second half after Ezri Konsa and Dan Ballard grappled under a long throw. David Raya went the right way and turned it onto the post. Two minutes later Bruno Guimarães took a pass from Declan Rice twenty-five yards out and smashed it in off the underside of the bar.
His first goal for Arsenal, in front of a crowd that had booed every touch he’d taken all afternoon because he used to captain Newcastle. He cupped his ears at them. Of course he did.
Saka added a penalty with the last kick, after Reinildo Mandava was sent off for hauling him down. Four from four, three clear of Manchester City, and nothing like Naples — no 26 shots, no bullying, just a physical home side being outlasted.
Arteta wasn’t in the mood to enjoy it. He was booked for protesting the penalty and hadn’t calmed down by the interviews: unacceptable at this level, not a penalty in any context or any league, a judo roll from the opponent. He’s got a point on the decision. He’s also got a side that went the whole of last season without conceding a penalty, so you can see where the outrage comes from.
Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly came back into the side. Less good: Ben White went off injured and Jurriën Timber replaced him. Ipswich away in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, and Arteta has a lot of minutes to hand out.
The U21s lost 4-1 to Chelsea at home. James Scanlon got the consolation, which is something.
Renée Slegers’ side host Crystal Palace at the Emirates this afternoon, 2.45pm, having opened with a 1-0 at Brighton through Lisa Baum inside ten minutes of her competitive debut. Newly promoted visitors, and a chance to make it two from two.
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