Arsenal stretched their Premier League lead as Liverpool and Chelsea stumbled; Bruno Guimaraes stars in Sunderland wins

Arsenal’s Bruno Guimaraes celebrates scoring the first goal. (Photo by Reuters) Arsenal strengthened their position at the top of the Premier League on Saturday as the defending champions extended their lead to three points after beating Sunderland 2-0, while Liverpool and Chelsea dropped points at home.Arsenal had to work hard to win at the Stadium of Light, but Bruno Guimaraes created the moment that unlocked the game. The Brazilian midfielder, who joined Arsenal from fierce local rivals Sunderland Newcastle in the summer, came off the bench at half-time and curled a superb long-range save into the top corner in the 58th minute.His celebration added another layer to an already emotional event. After being booed by the home fans, Guimaraes covered his ears as he ran to the corner.“It’s a beautiful moment for me and my family,” Guimaraes told TNT Sports. “Everyone knows my amazing history at Newcastle, but now I’m trying to make a new history here. I’ve started on the right foot.”Bukayo Saka then sealed Arsenal’s victory with a penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time after Sunderland defender Reinildo Mandava was sent off for bringing down the striker in the box.

Ray is saved by Arsenal after a controversial penalty

Arsenal’s win could have taken a completely different turn when Sunderland were awarded a penalty. Enzo Le Fee broke through but David Raya made a crucial save.Mikel Arteta was furious at the decision to award Sunderland a free-kick, which came after Ezri Konsa was adjudged to have held Dan Ballard during a set-piece.“It’s a huge win but it could have been something completely different,” Arteta said. “It’s unacceptable at this level. It’s unacceptable. It changes the course of the season, the championship and it’s not acceptable.”The Premier League confirmed the penalty was awarded for holding, but Arteta remained adamant the decision was wrong.“I’ve been in football almost 27 years, 28 years. It’s not a penalty in any way, in any game, in any context, in any league,” he said.Arsenal’s win moved them three points clear at the top, with Manchester City second ahead of Sunday’s derby against Manchester United.

Liverpool’s Alexander Isak in action with Fulham’s David Affengruber. (Photo by Reuters)

Liverpool kept as a big money attack failed

Liverpool missed the chance to keep pace with Arsenal after being held to a goalless draw by Fulham at Anfield.The result was particularly frustrating given the club’s huge investment in attack. British record signing Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz and Victor Munoz failed to find a breakthrough against a Fulham side who entered the match without a clean sheet and without a league point.Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson admitted that the home team failed to show their best football.“We didn’t play well together. A lot of things we tried to do didn’t go our way,” Alisson said.Manager Andoni Iraola was also disappointed after Liverpool halted their back-to-back winning streak.“When you’re drawing, especially at home, you can’t be happy,” Iraola said. “We lacked a bit of freshness today and didn’t do enough offensively to make a difference.

Chelsea’s Pepa Chavarria on the left is tackled by Hull City’s John Egan. (AP photo)

Chelsea’s defensive woes continue

Chelsea also dropped points at Stamford Bridge, drawing 2-2 with newly promoted Hull.Morgan Rogers put Chelsea ahead in the seventh minute but Mohamed Belloumi struck twice to turn the game around before Joao Pedro rescued a point for the home side with a 66th-minute equaliser.The result widened Chelsea’s defensive concerns. Xabi Alonso’s side have conceded at least two goals in every Premier League game and 12 in their last six games in all competitions.“We can be better. We got what we deserved,” Alonso said. “We need to be tighter and more controlled. New players and new personnel. That’s the process. I’m sure in a few months we’ll be able to control better.”Elsewhere, Tottenham remained without a Premier League goal after a 0-0 draw with Everton, while Aston Villa’s miserable start continued with a 2-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. Ipswich beat 10-man Crystal Palace 3-2 through Zian Flemming’s 90th-minute winner, while Bournemouth and Brentford drew 2-2.