Ankara: Defending Premier League champions Arsenal survived a strong Sunderland challenge on Saturday to secure a 2-0 away victory and maintain their perfect start to the season. The Gunners, who entered the match with three wins from three matches, created better opportunities in the first half but struggled to find a breakthrough.
According to Anadolu Agency, Bukayo Saka had an early effort saved by Robin Roefs before Kai Havertz wasted a good opportunity from Martin Odegaard's cutback in the 31st minute. Havertz came close again two minutes later with an acrobatic half-volley that forced Roefs into a sharp save. Granit Xhaka made a crucial intervention to deny the German in first-half stoppage time.
The match remained goalless at halftime before Sunderland were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 54th minute. Referee John Brooks awarded Sunderland a penalty after Ezri Konsa brought down Dan Ballard as the defender attacked a long throw. David Raya came to Arsenal's rescue, diving to his left to tip Enzo Le Fee's penalty onto the post in the 56th minute.
Sunderland were punished two minutes later. Bruno Guimaraes collected Declan Rice's pass around 25 yards from goal and sent a dipping strike in off the underside of the crossbar for his first Arsenal goal. Arsenal had opportunities to extend their advantage with Havertz and Saka, but failed to capitalize, allowing Sunderland back into the contest.
The hosts responded with sustained pressure in the closing stages. Nordi Mukiele went narrowly wide with an acrobatic effort before forcing Raya into another important save from close range in the 85th minute. Arsenal held firm before Saka broke clear deep into stoppage time and was brought down by Reinildo Mandava inside the penalty area. Reinildo, who had already been booked, was sent off before Saka converted the penalty in the 97th minute to seal the victory with the final kick of the game.
The result gave Arsenal four wins from their opening four Premier League matches. Sunderland remain with four points.