The Gunners took their tally to 12 points from four matches, opening a three-point lead over last season’s runners-up, Manchester City, who face local rivals Manchester United in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Brazilian substitute Bruno Guimarães opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a superb strike, before Bukayo Saka sealed the victory from the penalty spot in the eighth minute of stoppage time.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya played a key role in keeping the visitors level early in the second half, making an excellent save to deny French midfielder Enzo Le Fée a penalty in the 56th minute.

Two minutes later, Guimarães fired a powerful shot into the bottom corner, giving Arsenal the lead, just moments after coming on as a substitute for Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The Brazilian’s immediate impact justified manager Mikel Arteta’s decision to introduce him at the start of the second half.

Arsenal had further chances to extend their advantage, with Saka testing Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs in the 74th minute and Kai Havertz heading towards goal a minute later. Roefs kept out Saka’s effort, while Dan Ballard intervened to keep Havertz’s header from finding the net.

The visitors thought they had added a second through Jurrien Timber in the 78th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Arsenal eventually doubled their advantage deep into stoppage time when Saka converted a penalty in the eighth minute of added time. The spot-kick also led to Sunderland defender Reinildo Mandava of Mozambique being sent off for the foul that led to the penalty.

The victory keeps Arsenal top of the Premier League with a perfect record after four rounds, while Sunderland were unable to maintain their early-season form.