Chronological coverage updated 12th September 2026 17:56.
Update 1 · 12th September 2026
Arsenal Travel to Sunderland Seeking Fourth Consecutive Premier League Victory
Premier League champions Arsenal head to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland, seeking to maintain their perfect start to their title defense with a fourth consecutive victory. Mikel Arteta’s side have won all three of their opening league fixtures, including a 2-1 home victory over Chelsea in their previous domestic outing.
Arsenal are seeking an improved result on Wearside compared to last season, when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland following a dramatic late equaliser by Brian Brobbey in second-half stoppage time. The Gunners also enter the weekend following a 1-0 away victory over Napoli in Champions League action.
Team News and Lineup Changes
Bruno Guimaraes completed a £75 million transfer from Newcastle United to Arsenal ahead of the 2026-27 season. — according to Standard Sport.
Summer acquisition Bruno Guimaraes is in contention to make his first Premier League start for Arsenal. The £75 million signing from Newcastle United had experienced a delayed integration into the starting XI due to minor injury concerns.
In defense, Riccardo Calafiori is set to return at left-back in place of Piero Hincapie. Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera face late fitness assessments, while Ben White is available despite going off late against Napoli. Offensively, Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis are pushing to return to the starting lineup after featuring as substitutes in midweek.
Sunderland host the champions having recorded one win, one draw, and one loss in their opening three league fixtures. Manager Regis Le Bris will be without Romaine Mundle due to a long-term knee injury, while Habib Diarra misses out with a hamstring strain.
- Arsenal aim to extend their perfect start to the Premier League season to four wins at Sunderland.
- Bruno Guimaraes could make his first Premier League start for Arsenal following his £75m summer transfer.
