Arteta seethes at Sunderland penalty decision despite Arsenal win

Arsenal continue their flawless opening run with a fourth consecutive victory, courtesy of goals from Guimaraes and Saka.

Published On 12 Sep 202612 Sep 2026

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has described the penalty awarded to Sunderland as “unacceptable” following his team’s 2-0 victory, which preserved their perfect start and extended their lead at the top of the Premier League.

The defending champions reached 12 points from 12 matches on Saturday, as David Raya’s penalty save in the 55th minute proved crucial; two minutes later, Bruno Guimaraes scored his first goal for the club.

Bukayo Saka sealed the victory deep into stoppage time with a penalty, securing a fourth consecutive league win for the reigning champions.

Had Enzo Le Fee converted, the outcome might have differed, but Arteta criticised referee John Brooks for awarding a penalty after Ezri Konsa was judged to have pulled down Dan Ballard during a corner.

“It was a huge win, but it could have been very different,” an angry Arteta said after the match regarding the penalty decision.

“It’s unacceptable at this level; it could decide the season and the championship. I have reviewed it ten times, and a penalty at this level is impossible. It simply cannot happen.”

“It is not a penalty in any context or league.”

Arsenal were far from a vintage performance against a tenacious Sunderland, who deserved more for their effort, but they showed resilience that helped them claim their first title in 22 years last season.

They have now kept four clean sheets in their first five matches of the season, including a Champions League victory over Napoli earlier in the week.

Summer signing Guimaraes came on for Myles Lewis-Skelly at halftime and made an immediate impact.

After receiving a pass from Declan Rice, he struck a right-footed curler into the top corner.

Arsenal were forced to defend desperately at times as Sunderland’s physicality rattled them, but Saka scored his third goal of the season with a penalty after being fouled by Reinildo Mandava, who was subsequently sent off.

“It’s unbelievable the spirit and the courage we have to go again and again,” Arteta said. “I am incredibly pleased yet also concerned.”

“David Raya was extraordinary; he is a player who decides matches when we need him.”

“Sunderland deserve tremendous credit for making it so difficult for us.”

Manchester City, the only other side yet to drop points in the Premier League this season, can match Arsenal’s 12 points if they defeat Manchester United on Sunday.

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