Arsenal moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium, a result that further tightened their grip on the title race and increased the pressure on Manchester City ahead of their trip to Anfield.
The match was settled with minimal fuss. Viktor Gyokeres scored twice from the bench, with his second coming after Gabriel Martinelli raced through with the ball from inside his own half, drawing the keeper out before squaring for Gyokeres to roll into an empty net to seal the win.
Sunderland had arrived with confidence after the two side’s meeting earlier in the season when they rescued a 2-2 draw but were largely contained, rarely troubling a home side that controlled the game throughout. Sunderland managed an xG of just 0.17.
Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring for Arsenal towards the end of the first half, passing the ball in off the near post to score his sixth goal of the season with precision. He’d never scored more than four before.
Any perceived threat from Sunderland was more to do with sloppiness from Arsenal, particularly at the back, but the introduction of Gyokeres from the bench in the second half took just five minutes to pay dividends and secure the match. A deft touch from Kai Havertz found the Swede in the box and, despite falling, he managed the slam the ball home.
This game took him to eight Premier League goals and 13 in all competitions.
The victory takes Arsenal to 56 points from 25 matches, from17 wins and five draws, with a goal difference of plus 32. It was the sort of composed home performance that genuine title challengers are expected to deliver, and the Gunners did just that without Bukayo Saka and their captain Martin Odegaard.
Results elsewhere once again went in Arsenal’s favour. Aston Villa were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth, with Morgan Rogers opening the scoring before Rayan equalised in the second half. More dropped points leaves Unai Emery’s side nine points back and underlines the gap between Arsenal and the rest of the chasing pack.
Attention now turns to Manchester City, who are also nine points behind, but with a game in hand – their game at Anfield.
From Arsenal’s perspective, it’s another game ticked off. Three points were secured, the lead at the top extended, and the pressure shifted firmly onto City.
If their rivals slip up at Anfield, this win over Sunderland will stand as another important step towards the Premier League title returning to north London.