Mikel Arteta faces major Arsenal decision after hard-fought Sunderland win

Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the season with a battling 2-0 victory over Sunderland, but Mikel Arteta has been left with major selection decisions in midfield and at right-back.

The Gunners were forced to win ugly at the Stadium of Light, with David Raya saving a penalty before substitute Bruno Guimaraes produced a stunning opener. Bukayo Saka then converted a late penalty to secure the points.

It was Arsenal’s ninth consecutive Premier League away victory, their best such run since the Invincibles in 2004.

Arteta made a ruthless decision at half-time after Myles Lewis-Skelly struggled during the opening 45 minutes.

The youngster was replaced by £75million summer signing Guimaraes, and the change transformed Arsenal’s midfield.

Shortly after Raya’s crucial penalty save, Guimaraes collected possession around 25 yards from goal and curled a superb effort in off the underside of the crossbar.

It was the Brazilian’s first Arsenal goal following a frustrating start disrupted by minor injuries.

His performance also gives Arteta a significant selection headache. Lewis-Skelly has been preferred alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, but Guimaraes made a powerful argument for a starting place.

Saka eventually secured Arsenal’s victory from the penalty spot and now has three goals in four Premier League appearances.

However, there remains room for improvement.

The winger missed two good opportunities from open play, including a first-half chance created by Rice and another after being released by Odegaard.

Arsenal did not make a marquee attacking signing during the summer, increasing the importance of Saka consistently converting the opportunities that come his way.

Arteta also faces another headache at right-back after Ben White appeared to suffer a groin problem.

White was replaced at half-time by Jurrien Timber, who was making his return to the squad following his own lengthy injury absence.

With Cristhian Mosquera potentially unavailable as well, Arteta must now decide whether to risk starting Timber in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Ipswich.

After three demanding matches in six days against Chelsea, Napoli and Sunderland, Arsenal have taken maximum points, but their defensive depth is once again being tested.

Arteta must decide whether Guimaraes has done enough to start regularly alongside Rice and Odegaard. More immediately, Arsenal face Ipswich in the Carabao Cup, where Timber’s involvement could depend on the severity of White’s injury.