Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-0 to keep perfect start

Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-0 at the Stadium of Light to keep their perfect Premier League start going.

The win in England's top division was reported by BBC on 12 September. It came with Arsenal chasing a fourth win from four league games ahead of the trip to Sunderland, according to a Reuters preview published on 11 September.

That is the standard expected of defending champions. Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions in May 2026. Manager Mikel Arteta later said he was not watching at the exact moment the title was sealed, Reuters reported on 21 May.

Arteta said he was pleased with the performance on Wearside. His side scored twice at Sunderland's home ground and kept the hosts out. No fuss. Job done away from home.

There was one flashpoint. Sunderland were awarded a penalty, a spot-kick given for an offence inside the box. Arteta said he was "very worried and very sad" about the decision at the Stadium of Light, BBC reported.

The result kept Arsenal's early momentum rolling. A week earlier Arteta had said his team could surpass title-winning level after a statement win over Chelsea, Reuters reported on 6 September. A controlled 2-0 away win was exactly the kind of follow-up managers ask for.

Sunderland have been no soft touch in this fixture. Back in February they were eighth in the table ahead of facing Arsenal, Reuters reported at the time. This time Arsenal left with all three points, the reward for a win in league football.

What makes this stand out is the tone. Pleased with the display, uneasy about the penalty. That mix will feel familiar to any supporter.

For fans, this means more shared noise. Arsenal supporters get another away day to remember. Sunderland supporters get a reminder of the fine margins at the top. The season is young, and the champions are moving well.