# Arsenal Edge Past Spirited Sunderland to Stay Perfect in Premier League Title Defence

> By  · Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-13
> https://lesportifplus.com/en/2026/09/13/arsenal-edge-past-spirited-sunderland-to-stay-perfect-in-premier-league-title-defence/

## Summary
Arsenal beat Sunderland away from home to maintain a perfect 100% start to their Premier League title defence, with Bukayo Saka's late penalty proving decisive after Sunderland mounted a spirited fight for a point.

## Key points
- Arsenal won away at Sunderland to remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season
- Bukayo Saka scored a late penalty to secure the victory
- Sunderland put up strong resistance but could not prevent the defeat

Arsenal defeated Sunderland away from home to preserve their 100% start to the Premier League season, with Bukayo Saka converting a late penalty to settle a match in which the hosts pushed hard for an equaliser. The result keeps the champions unbeaten as they continue their bid to defend their title.

## How Did Arsenal Get Past a Determined Sunderland Side?

Sunderland made life difficult for the visitors, matching Arsenal’s intensity for large periods and threatening to snatch a share of the points with an energetic, well-organised performance. Despite the home side’s resistance, Arsenal found a way through, and Saka’s spot-kick proved decisive in securing all three points and denying Sunderland an unlikely result.

> It was a tight, tense contest, but we found the moments that mattered, the club said.

## What Does This Result Mean for Arsenal’s Title Defence?

The victory extends Arsenal’s unblemished record in the league this season, reinforcing their status as early pace-setters as they attempt to retain the Premier League crown. Maintaining a perfect start against sides capable of frustrating stronger opponents, such as Sunderland proved on this occasion, underlines the resilience Arsenal have shown even when matches do not go entirely to plan.

For Sunderland, the performance offers encouragement despite the defeat, having shown they can compete with one of the division’s strongest teams for long spells. Arsenal, meanwhile, will look to build on the win as they continue navigating a demanding campaign in pursuit of back-to-back titles.

## Source

- [BBC Sport Football](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/c5ympj1m71ko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — BBC Sport Football

## Sources
- [BBC Sport Football](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/c5ympj1m71ko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)