Arsenal go three points clear as Liverpool, Chelsea stumble

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Arsenal's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates scoring their first goal on September 12, 2026 | Photo Credit: Reuters

Bruno Guimaraes sent Arsenal three points clear at the top of the Premier League with a moment of brilliance that was doubly painful for Sunderland.

Not only did the Brazil midfielder set up a 2-0 win for defending champion Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday (September 12, 2026). But as a former Newcastle player, he made the most of his moment, sending a message to the home supporters who booed him by cupping his ears as he ran towards the corner in celebration.

Guimaraes joined Arsenal from Sunderland’s fierce North-East rival, Newcastle, in the summer, so will have been well aware of the significance of his goal. Coming on as a halftime substitute, he curled a long-range shot into the top corner in the 58th minute.

Guimaraes’ goal came two minutes after Arsenal’s David Raya saved a penalty from Sunderland’s Enzo Le Fee.

Bukayo Saka sealed the win with a penalty in the seventh minute of added time after Reinildo Mandava was sent off for bringing down the Arsenal forward in the box.

Manchester City is three points behind Arsenal in second place and plays Manchester United on Sunday (September 13).

Liverpool and Chelsea dropped more points after being held to surprise draws at home.

Liverpool’s big-money forwards Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola couldn’t find a way past winless Fulham in a goalless contest at Anfield.

Chelsea’s fragile defense was exposed again by newly promoted Hull in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Aston Villa’s nightmare start to the season continued with a 2-1 loss at home to Nottingham Forest.

Substitute Zian Flemming scored a 90th-minute winner as Ipswich beat Crystal Palace 3-2, while Bournemouth and Brentford drew 2-2.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was furious about a penalty given against his team when Ezri Konsa was adjudged to have pulled down Dan Ballard in the box.