The China Mail - Guimaraes strike lights up Arsenal win over Sunderland

Mikel Arteta's men have conceded just once in five games in all competitions but Sunderland had the chance to breach Arsenal's imposing rearguard when Raya tipped Enzo Le Fee's spot-kick onto the post.

Just over two minutes later Guimaraes silenced the Stadium of Light as the Brazilian smashed into the top corner from outside the box.

Bukayo Saka's penalty sealed the victory with the final kick of the game after Sunderland defender Reinildo saw a second yellow card for taking down the England international.

Arsenal open up a three-point lead over Manchester City, who face local rivals Manchester United on Sunday, at the top of the table.

Their lead is already five ahead of Chelsea, six in front of Liverpool and eight clear of United as Arsenal threaten to run away with the title unless a new-look City under Enzo Maresca can keep pace.

Despite only winning by a single goal, Arsenal showed signs of blossoming into a more potent attacking force in statement wins over Chelsea last weekend and Napoli on Wednesday to get their Champions League campaign off to a flying start.

But the visitors had to rely on their organisation off the ball to grind out a vital three points as they failed to sparkle in attack but for a moment of magic from Guimaraes.

The former Newcastle captain was given a hostile reception on his arrival to the home of the Magpies' biggest rivals.

Guimaraes was Arsenal's big-money recruit of the transfer window, but the £75 million ($87 million) signing is yet to start for his new club as Arteta has kept faith with Myles Lewis-Skelly alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield.

Kai Havertz came closest to breaking the deadlock of a cagey first half when his shot on the spin was tipped over by Robin Roefs.

Arteta made his move at the break by introducing Guimaraes for Lewis-Skelly, while Jurrien Timber also replaced the injured Ben White.

Sunderland are one of few sides capable of matching Arsenal's physicality and a set-piece wrestling match led to the penalty.

Ezri Konsa dragged Dan Ballard to the ground and referee John Brooks pointed to the spot.

Le Fee's effort was arrowed toward the bottom corner, but Raya produced a brilliant save to turn it onto the post.

From potentially being behind, Arsenal were in front 122 seconds later.

There appeared little danger when Rice fed Guimaraes, but he took aim and rifled a shot in off the underside of the bar.

Saka was denied a second by Roefs and Havertz saw a header cleared off the line by Ballard as Arsenal sought to put the game to bed.

They eventually did so deep into stoppage time when Reinildo brought down Saka in a desperate attempt to halt the winger's charge towards goal.

The Mozambique international was reduced to tears on his sorry trudge off the field.

Roefs nearly bailed out his teammate as he got a hand to Saka's penalty, but unlike Raya he failed to get enough on the ball to turn it wide.

T.Wu--ThChM