Mikel Arteta has big decision to make and key talking points from Arsenal win at Sunderland

For the first time since the Invincibles in 2004, the Gunners have won nine Premier League matches away from home in a row.

Few have been more hard-fought than this. A 2-0 victory over Sunderland was a dogfight of a match, but the north Londoners stood up to the test and to the unique challenge of facing the wrecking ball that is Brian Brobbey in attack.

There were nervy moments, not least when it was still goalless and David Raya had to make a brilliant penalty save, tipped onto his post.

Bruno Guimaraes then broke the deadlock with a special strike. Bukayo Saka wrapped things up with the final kick of the match.

Three matches in six days, consisting of a London derby, a Champions League away trip to Naples, and a Stadium of Light grind, have brought maximum returns.

Midfield is where Arteta's toughest selection calls are coming at the moment.

Myles Lewis-Skelly continues to be preferred in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, but that leaves two World Cup winners and a £75million signing on the bench.

It was that summer arrival who made all the difference. Lewis-Skelly had a poor first half, struggling in possession and defensively, and Arteta made a ruthless half-time decision.

He was forced into one change due to Ben White's injury but opted to make another, bringing Lewis-Skelly off and replacing him with Guimaraes.

Super-sub: Bruno Guimaraes Getty Arsenal needed that profile of player. In an intense match, and with the atmosphere only added to by Guimaraes' introduction, the Gunners had to rise to the occasion.

Guimaraes did just that. He took the ball 25 yards out and bent a stunning strike in off the underside of the bar. This was some time for his first Arsenal goal and some manner for it, too.

It has been a frustrating start at his new club for the Brazilian, with minor injuries hindering him in recent weeks. This, though, was a moment he loved, celebrating in front of the baying Sunderland supporters.

Raya's penalty save was followed almost immediately by that strike. It felt like the kind of switch in momentum that champions produce and Guimaraes provided it.

He was far from alone in being so, but it stands out because Arsenal want more from one of their big players in attack. They need it, too.