Arsenal receive new Sunderland goal verdict after controversial free-kick decision

Arsenal have been sent a verdict on Dan Ballard's goal for Sunderland in their Premier League clash. Despite a tussle with Declan Rice, there was no issue with the former Gunners player's actions,but instead a decision made by referee Craig Pawson to give a free-kick for a foul on Wilson Isidor and show a yellow card to Martin Zubimendi.

Sky Sports co-commentator Don Goodman was of the belief a foul should have been given, but not a booking shown to Arsenal's defensive midfielder. Prior to the goal, he said: "Craig Pawson is signalling it's because he (Zubimendi) pulls him back with the arms because the challenge on the ground does not merit a yellow card.

"It doesn't have to be a yellow card, it's a foul fine but it doesn't have to be a yellow card."

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After the goal was scored, he added: "There's all kinds of things that are going to be checked by VAR here. Is this a foul? No, I don't think so. Declan Rice is trying to ease him out."

The first-half was filled with stoppages after Mikel Merino, Jurrien Timber and Enzo Le Fee all suffered head injuries. Arsenal's Dutch international defender required a bandage to stop the bleeding from his face.

Arsenal had chances through Eberechi Eze and William Saliba, but both fired their efforts over the bar, with their side frustrated for much of the opening period by the surprise high-flyers.

The hosts actually went close to doubling their advantage when Nordi Mukiele picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area but he fired an effort wide of David Raya's goal.

Sunderland are currently Arsenal's closest challengers and while that has come as a shock to many, Arteta is not too surprised at their strong performances and very good results.

"When you analyse them and you see how well organised they are, how they adjust things, the spirit that they have within the team, I'm not surprised because they fully deserve the position that they have at the moment," he admitted in a press conference when asked about Sunderland.

"So we know the type of game that we expect to play tomorrow and where the opportunities are and the things that we have to do very well to beat them and that's what we're going to try to do."

Summer signing Granit Xhaha has been a key part of their impressive start with Arteta fully aware of just how good the Switzerland international is.

"Yeah, I loved every minute that we spent together," he said of the former Arsenal captain.

"When I joined, he was in a special moment of his life and his career, and between all of us, we tried to guide him, to give him a different perspective, to make him feel loved, valued, and he responded in an incredible way.

"He made me a better coach, he helped us to develop and improve a lot as a football team and as a club, and I will be eternally grateful because I have great memories with him."