Forget Bruno Guimaraes, another Arsenal player was the real Man of the Match vs Sunderland
Arsenal have just secured a very impressive win against Sunderland in the Premier League.
The Gunners were tested from the start, and it was clearly their most difficult game of the season. They could easily have dropped points tonight, just like they did last season.
However, former Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes made his mark with a stunning goal to give Arsenal the lead at the Stadium of Light.
The goal makes the Brazilian the match-winner, but the real hero in our eyes is someone else.
David Raya was Arsenal’s best player vs Sunderland
Guimaraes deserves all the praise in the world for his performance against Sunderland.
The Brazil international has had a difficult start to life as a Gunner because of injuries, but his incredible goal will make him feel a lot better.
On another day, Guimaraes would be the undisputed Man of the Match, but David Raya produced an incredible performance tonight.
Sunderland were awarded a controversial penalty in the second half, when the game was still 0-0. Ezri Konsa was adjudged to have brought down Dan Ballard inside the box.
The game could’ve swung in the hosts’ favour at that point, but Raya stepped up and saved Enzo Le Fee’s spot-kick in brilliant fashion.
That kept the score level, and just moments later Guimaraes scored his screamer to help Arsenal win the game.
Take nothing away from the Brazilian’s performance, but without Raya, Arsenal could’ve walked away without a win tonight.
Enzo Le Fée is denied by David Raya from the spot 😳🧤
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 12, 2026
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David Raya’s clean sheet record for Arsenal is unbelievable
In our opinion, Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world.
Yes, people will make the argument that he isn’t even Spain’s number one, but the goalkeeper’s performances for Arsenal have been sensational for years now.
Since he joined the club in 2023, Raya has kept 51 clean sheets in the Premier League, which is the best record in the division in that period.
The next best on that list is Jordan Pickford, but his tally is 13 fewer.
People laughed at Mikel Arteta when he chose Raya over Aaron Ramsdale a few years ago. That decision may well be why Arsenal are where they are now.