Mikel Arteta has big decision to make and key talking points from Arsenal win at Sunderland

Gunners had to win nasty on Wearside

For the first time since the Invincibles in 2004, the Gunners have won nine Premier League matches away from home in a row.

Few have been more hard-fought than this. A 2-0 victory over Sunderland was a dogfight of a match, but the north Londoners stood up to the test and to the unique challenge of facing the wrecking ball that is Brian Brobbey in attack.

There were nervy moments, not least when it was still goalless and David Raya had to make a brilliant penalty save, tipped onto his post.

Bruno Guimaraes then broke the deadlock with a special strike. Bukayo Saka wrapped things up with the final kick of the match.

Three matches in six days, consisting of a London derby, a Champions League away trip to Naples, and a Stadium of Light grind, have brought maximum returns.

Ruthless call pays off

Midfield is where Arteta's toughest selection calls are coming at the moment.

Myles Lewis-Skelly continues to be preferred in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, but that leaves two World Cup winners and a £75million signing on the bench.

It was that summer arrival who made all the difference. Lewis-Skelly had a poor first half, struggling in possession and defensively, and Arteta made a ruthless half-time decision.

He was forced into one change due to Ben White's injury but opted to make another, bringing Lewis-Skelly off and replacing him with Guimaraes.

Super-sub: Bruno Guimaraes

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Arsenal needed that profile of player. In an intense match, and with the atmosphere only added to by Guimaraes' introduction, the Gunners had to rise to the occasion.

Guimaraes did just that. He took the ball 25 yards out and bent a stunning strike in off the underside of the bar. This was some time for his first Arsenal goal and some manner for it, too.

It has been a frustrating start at his new club for the Brazilian, with minor injuries hindering him in recent weeks. This, though, was a moment he loved, celebrating in front of the baying Sunderland supporters.

Raya's penalty save was followed almost immediately by that strike. It felt like the kind of switch in momentum that champions produce and Guimaraes provided it.

Saka still searching for clinical streak

In Naples in midweek, Saka was wasteful in front of goal.

He was far from alone in being so, but it stands out because Arsenal want more from one of their big players in attack. They need it, too.

In the absence of a marquee signing in forward areas this summer, the Gunners are relying on their existing stars staying fit and producing the numbers in front of goal.

Saka has delivered on those numbers so far, scoring three in four Premier League matches. It could have been so much more, though, and that is the obvious area of improvement for Saka to take his game to the very elite level.

Finally: Bukayo Saka

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He did seal victory here from the penalty spot, squeezing his effort through Robin Roefs.

However, Saka should already have been on the scoresheet by then. Declan Rice curled a perfect cross onto Saka's boot in the first half but he failed to make good enough contact.

After the break, with Arsenal under pressure, Arteta would have been looking for his side to kill the match. Saka could have done so, when Odegaard slipped him in, but it was a tame effort straight at Roefs.

The fact Saka is getting into so many good positions is a really positive sign for Arsenal. More of a clinical edge in front of goal from the winger would be even more welcome.

Arteta handed familiar problem

Just over 24 hours before the trip to the Stadium of Light, Arteta was asked about his right-backs.

For the majority of the last three seasons, the Gunners have not had Jurrien Timber and White fit at the same time.

That has led to one of them facing an increased workload, picking up an injury down the line, and the vicious cycle repeating itself.

New worry: Ben White

"Hopefully this season we'll have a bit more luck and we can manage that better," Arteta said.

"If we manage that better, probably the likelihood of them getting injuries is going to be lower."

That luck was out. Timber was back in the squad for the first time this season and he was called into action at half-time, after White spent the final minutes of the opening period moving gingerly, holding his groin.

Now Arteta has tough decisions to make. Does he start Timber in the Carabao Cup against Ipswich on Tuesday night?

If not, with Cristhian Mosquera and White both potentially out, who does he turn to at right-back? Arsenal's one-in, one-out problems in that position are back.