The victory takes Arsenal three points clear at the top of the table before Sunday's Manchester Derby. Guimaraes scoring his first goal for the club is also a massive positive for Mikel Arteta, as well as the Brazilian's overall impact in midfield. He can also be pleased with the way his team passed the ball at times and the way his defenders stood up to the battle with Brian Brobbey.
David Raya was instrumental in keeping the game goalless in the 56th minute, as he got down superbly to tip Enzo Le Fée's penalty onto the post after Ezri Konsa had pulled down Dan Ballard. The Gunners then scored twice, with Bukayo Saka winning a penalty that earned Reinildo Mandava his second yellow card and then snuck it past Robin Roefs in the final seconds.
Manager Mikel Arteta was booked for going out of his technical area in the first half, potentially offering a sign of frustration, but he responded to the setback of Ben White's injury well and was ruthless in bringing Guimaraes on for Myles Lewis-Skelly ahead of the restart to help his side win. Arteta 'cannot find an explanation' for the penalty decision vs. Sunderland, as reported by ESPN Soccer.