Gyökeres Brace Sends Gunners Nine Points Clear at the Top

Viktor Gyökeres and Martín Zubimendi lead dominant Emirates display against Sunderland as Arsenal strengthen grip on Premier League title race.

Arsenal moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League after a controlled 3–0 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium, with Viktor Gyökeres scoring twice after half-time to cap a dominant home performance.

The breakthrough came just before the interval through Martín Zubimendi, whose long-range strike settled a tight first half, before Gyökeres emerged from the bench to score twice and seal a commanding win for Mikel Arteta’s side.

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The result strengthens Arsenal’s position at the summit of the table and maintains pressure on second-placed Manchester City ahead of their trip to Anfield.

Zubimendi breaks resistance before the break

Sunderland began confidently, pressing high and disrupting Arsenal’s rhythm in the opening stages. The visitors showed organisation and discipline, limiting clear chances and forcing the hosts into patient buildup play.

Arsenal gradually took control of midfield through Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, increasing tempo and territory as the half progressed.

The breakthrough arrived in the 42nd minute when Zubimendi struck from distance, driving a low shot into the corner from outside the box to give Arsenal a deserved lead going into the interval.

Gyökeres changes the game

Arteta introduced Viktor Gyökeres on the hour mark, and the striker made an immediate impact.

Six minutes after coming on, Gyökeres doubled the lead, running onto an Ødegaard through ball and finishing calmly past Anthony Patterson.

Sunderland struggled to respond as Arsenal tightened control, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães ensuring the visitors created little in attack.

In stoppage time, Gyökeres added his second, sliding in to convert Gabriel Martinelli’s low cross on the counter-attack to complete the scoring.

Arsenal dominated possession and territory in the second half, managing the game with composure and structure.

Zubimendi impressed in midfield with his distribution and positional discipline, while Gyökeres’ movement and finishing again underlined his growing importance in Arteta’s squad.

The clean sheet also reflected Arsenal’s defensive stability, with David Raya largely untroubled throughout the contest.

Title race impact

The win extends Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points, reinforcing their status as title favourites as the season enters a decisive phase.

Attention now turns to the North London derby against Tottenham, while Sunderland return home to face Nottingham Forest.

For Arsenal, momentum continues to build. For Sunderland, the result highlighted the challenge of competing with the league’s elite, despite a disciplined first-half display.

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