Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-0 to go top with perfect Premier League start
Synopsis
Arsenal's title defence is looking formidable — six wins from six, a stunning Guimarães long-range screamer, and a Raya penalty save that changed the game. Meanwhile, Liverpool are drawing too many at Anfield and Hull are already punching above their weight back in the top flight.
Key Takeaways
Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-0 on 13 September 2026 to go top of the Premier League with a perfect six wins from six .
David Raya saved an Enzo Le Fee penalty to keep Arsenal's clean sheet intact at a pivotal moment.
Bruno Guimarães scored his first Arsenal goal from outside the area; Bukayo Saka added a late penalty — his third of the season .
Reinildo Mandava was sent off for Sunderland after conceding the penalty on Saka.
Liverpool drew 0-0 with Fulham at Anfield — their third draw in four league games under Andoni Iraola .
Hull City remain unbeaten on their Premier League return after a 2-2 draw at Chelsea .
Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League table on 13 September 2026 after a hard-fought 2-0 victory at Sunderland, extending their unbeaten run to six consecutive wins to open their title defence. Goals from Bruno Guimarães and Bukayo Saka secured all three points, with goalkeeper David Raya playing a pivotal role in keeping the sheet clean.
Key Moments That Decided the Match
The first half was goalless and tightly contested, but the match burst open within minutes of the second-half restart. David Raya produced a superb low save to his left to deny an Enzo Le Fee penalty — a stop that proved transformative. Just two minutes later, Bruno Guimarães broke the deadlock in stunning fashion, drilling his first goal for the Gunners from well outside the area into the top corner, silencing the home support at the Stadium of Light.
The match remained fiercely competitive with both sides operating at full intensity. The result was finally confirmed deep into injury time when Bukayo Saka won and then converted a penalty — his third goal of the season. The move was sparked by a precise pass from Guimarães that released Saka into the area, where he was brought down by Reinildo Mandava, who received a second yellow card and was sent off moments before Saka stroked the spot-kick home.
What Arsenal's Perfect Start Means
Six wins from six matches to open a Premier League season is a statement of genuine title intent. Arsenal, already Premier League holders coming into the campaign, have now backed up their domestic crown with a faultless opening run. Notably, this is the kind of start that has historically translated into serious title challenges — only a handful of sides have managed six straight wins to open a Premier League season and failed to win the title. The Gunners sit top of the table, ahead of the chasing pack on goal difference and momentum.
Liverpool's Early-Season Struggles Continue
Earlier on the same matchday, Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa — making his return to Anfield, where he made 66 Premier League appearances as a player — claimed his first point in charge with a 0-0 draw against Liverpool. The result leaves Liverpool still searching for their first home league win of the Andoni Iraola era. Iraola remains unbeaten as head coach but Liverpool have now drawn three of their four top-flight matches this season, raising early questions about their cutting edge in front of goal. Victor Munoz went closest for the hosts, heading against the crossbar in the first half.
Hull City Hold Chelsea in Premier League Return
Hull City, back in the Premier League after a spell in the Championship, extended their unbeaten start to the top flight with a 2-2 draw away to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The result underlines that Hull have arrived ready to compete, not merely to survive their return to English football's top division.
What Comes Next
Arsenal's relentless form puts pressure on every rival ahead of the next round of fixtures. Liverpool face mounting scrutiny over their lack of a home win, while Hull's resilience at Stamford Bridge will only grow the optimism around their top-flight return. The Premier League title race, still in its early chapters, is already taking shape — with Arsenal firmly in pole position.
Point of View
This was a game that could have dented the Gunners' aura on their title defence. Liverpool's situation is the more pressing storyline: three draws from four at home under Iraola is not a crisis yet, but in a title race where Arsenal are sprinting, every dropped point compounds. Arbeloa earning a draw on his Anfield homecoming is a charming subplot, but it will be cold comfort for Liverpool fans watching rivals accumulate wins at pace.
NationPress
13 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Arsenal beat Sunderland in the Premier League?
Arsenal won 2-0 at Sunderland on 13 September 2026 thanks to a decisive penalty save by David Raya, a long-range goal from Bruno Guimarães, and a late penalty converted by Bukayo Saka. The result sent Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table with six wins from six matches.
Who scored for Arsenal against Sunderland?
Bruno Guimarães opened the scoring with a stunning strike from outside the area — his first goal for Arsenal. Bukayo Saka then converted a penalty deep into injury time for his third league goal of the season.
What happened in the Liverpool vs Fulham match?
Liverpool and Fulham drew 0-0 at Anfield, leaving Liverpool without a home league win in the Andoni Iraola era. Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa — a former Liverpool player — claimed his first point in charge. Victor Munoz hit the crossbar for Liverpool in what was a largely goalless affair.
Are Hull City still unbeaten in the Premier League?
Yes. Hull City drew 2-2 away to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, extending their unbeaten start to their Premier League return. The result showed Hull are competitive at the top level following their promotion from the Championship.
Why was Sunderland's Reinildo Mandava sent off?
Reinildo Mandava received a second yellow card after fouling Bukayo Saka in the penalty area deep in injury time. Saka then stepped up and scored the resulting penalty to seal Arsenal's 2-0 win.
