Arsenal analysis: Raya proves worth with crucial contribution

Arsenal secured a victory against Sunderland, maintaining their strong start to the Premier League season. Goalkeeper David Raya was instrumental in the win, keeping a clean sheet despite Arsenal's overall lackluster attacking performance.
Why it matters
Arsenal's defensive consistency is positioning them as early title contenders, highlighting the importance of individual player contributions in tight matches.
Figure caption, Referee 'completely wrong' to award penalty - Williams
Arsenal's first-half frustration was encapsulated in manager Mikel Arteta being booked shortly before the break for leaving his technical area too many times.
They had been nullified by Sunderland at that point, with attacking metronome Martin Odegaard kept quiet by their former player Granit Xhaka.
Greece winger Christos Tzolis continued his inconsistent start to the season, more reminiscent here of his toothless showing against Aston Villa rather than the productive display at home to Chelsea.
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