Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland: Gyökeres double fires Arsenal to victory as Gunners extend lead at the top

Arsenal moved nine points clear at the summit of the Premier League after a ruthless 3-0 dismissal of Sunderland at a sun-splashed Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Martín Zubimendi’s fifth strike of the campaign broke Sunderland’s resistance on the stroke of half-time, before second-half substitute Viktor Gyökeres added two clinical finishes to seal a statement win that ratchets up the pressure on pursuers Manchester City.

The opener arrived after a nervy start in which David Raya spilled a routine catch from an early free-kick, only for Kai Havertz to rescue his goalkeeper with a last-ditch block. Calafiori’s concession of the set-piece had briefly invited the Black Cats to dream, but Arsenal soon wrested back control.

Declan Rice came within inches of lighting the fuse midway through the half, curling a venomous effort fractionally wide, yet it was Zubimendi who provided the breakthrough. Collecting Leandro Trossard’s measured lay-off on the edge of the box, the Spaniard arrowed a low drive that kissed the inside of the near post and rippled the net.

Havertz almost doubled the advantage before the interval, bending a delicious effort that arced just beyond the far top corner, leaving the stadium momentarily holding its breath.

Sunderland refused to wilt after the restart. Brobbey and Sidiki’s slick interchange teed up Talbi for a fierce drive that forced Raya into smart, low action, while Hume’s harried press almost capitalised on another Raya miscue. With the lead still slender, anxiety rippled around N5.

Enter Gyökeres. Introduced after 64 minutes, the Swedish striker needed only five and a half to stamp his mark. A lax Sunderland clearance sat up invitingly for Havertz, who cushioned a pass into Gyökeres’ path. Off balance and falling, the forward still thrashed an unstoppable finish high into the net, detonating roars of relief around the ground.

The second goal deflated the visitors and liberated the hosts. Passes zipped with renewed confidence; the tempo dropped yet the menace remained. In stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli’s industry epitomised the mood: winning a defensive header, racing onto the loose ball, and rounding Reinildo before unselfishly squaring for Gyökeres to roll into an unguarded goal.

The brace, his second in as many league outings, hoisted Arsenal’s advantage to nine points ahead of Manchester City’s Sunday trip to Liverpool, while Sunderland stay ninth, still within striking distance of European places despite the heavy defeat.

Arsenal, full of belief and momentum, march on; their title charge gaining irresistible impetus with every passing week.