Arsenal's Fourth Consecutive Victory

Arsenal strengthened their hold on top spot in the English Premier League with a fourth consecutive victory, beating hosts Sunderland 2-0, while Chelsea halted a surge from visitors Hull City, led by Algerian midfielder Mohamed Bounedjah, son of legend Lakhdar Belloumi, forcing a 2-2 draw in the league’s fourth round on the previous day.

In the first match, Brazilian substitute Bruno Guimarães (58th minute) and Bukayo Saka (90+8th minute, from a penalty) scored Arsenal’s goals. The defending champions continued their points haul, moving to 12 points at the summit. Spanish goalkeeper David Raya shone, making a high save to deny Frenchman Enzo Le Fée’s penalty (56th minute), before Guimarães excelled, netting a brilliant goal with a powerful shot that nestled into the bottom corner of the net (58th minute). The scorer’s identity confirmed manager Mikel Arteta’s decision to bring him on for the second half in place of Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The London side could have extended their lead through a Saka strike (74th minute) and a header from German forward Kai Havertz (75th minute), but Dutch goalkeeper Robin Røves saved the first, and Dan Ballard blocked the second. Referee disallowed Jurrien Timber’s goal for offside (78th minute). The second goal came in the seventh minute of stoppage time from a penalty awarded to Saka, which resulted in the sending-off of Mozambican defender Renildo Mandava.

In the second match, Chelsea took the lead through Morgan Rogers just seven minutes after the opening whistle, hitting Hull City’s net for the first time this season, marking a strong start to their return to the top flight. Hull responded with two thunderous goals scored by Bounedjah in the 28th and 34th minutes. The Blues equalized in the second half through Brazilian João Pedro (66th minute). In five matches played against top-tier sides since new Spanish manager Xabi Alonso took charge, the team has scored 16 goals and conceded 12.

Chelsea prevented Hull City from temporarily topping the table, as Hull moved to eight points in third place, one point ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea.

Liverpool and Aston City continued to drop points. Liverpool drew goallessly with Fulham at home, while Aston Villa fell to a late goal against hosts Nottingham Forest, losing 1-2. This was the Reds’ third draw this season, following 2-2 results against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, with only a solitary 2-0 win over Ipswich Town in the previous round. Under Spanish manager Andoni Iraola (44), they moved to six points in sixth place, behind Brentford, who also dropped points in a 2-2 away draw with Bournemouth.

Ipswich Town exploited Crystal Palace’s numerical disadvantage to win 3-2, securing three points thanks to a late goal from Dutchman Zian Flemming in the 90th minute. Tottenham, who strengthened their squad this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, failed to open their account of wins or even score, drawing goallessly with Everton at home.