Bruno Guimaraes gave Arsenal the lead against Sunderland with a superb long-range strike, just moments after David Raya had saved Enzo Le Fee’s penalty.
The game had remained goalless at half-time despite both sides pressing forward, but the contest changed dramatically soon after the interval.
Sunderland were awarded a spot-kick when Konsa brought down Ballard while defending a set piece. Le Fee took responsibility, only for Raya to dive to his left and get enough of a touch to divert the effort against the post and wide.
Arsenal responded almost immediately. Guimaraes, introduced at half-time, received the ball from Rice on the edge of the area and needed just one touch before bending a shot into the top-right corner beyond the goalkeeper.
The former Newcastle player’s strike put Arsenal ahead at the Stadium of Light after Raya’s penalty save had kept the scores level.
