Gyökeres brace sends Arsenal nine points clear in title race
Arsenal strengthen title charge with dominant win over Sunderland
Arsenal took another huge step toward ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title after a commanding 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium.
Martín Zubimendi opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike just before halftime, while substitute Viktor Gyökeres sealed the win with a clinical second-half brace. The result moved Mikel Arteta’s side nine points clear at the top of the table with only 13 matches remaining.
The pressure now shifts to Manchester City, who must respond to close the gap ahead of their challenging trip to Anfield. Arsenal, meanwhile, continue to build momentum after also securing a place in the Carabao Cup final earlier in the week.
Zubimendi brilliance gives Arsenal deserved halftime lead
Arsenal started brightly and nearly scored inside the opening minute when Kai Havertz, stepping in for the injured Martin Ødegaard, headed wide from close range. Sunderland briefly threatened when goalkeeper David Raya misjudged a long delivery, but Havertz recovered to clear Brian Brobbey’s effort.
The hosts continued to dominate possession and chances, with Declan Rice curling narrowly wide and Sunderland defender Trai Hume nearly scoring an own goal while attempting to clear Noni Madueke’s dangerous cross.
Arsenal’s pressure eventually paid off three minutes before halftime when Zubimendi produced a moment of brilliance. The midfielder struck from 22 yards with a precise, dipping effort that flew beyond goalkeeper Robin Roefs to give the home side a deserved lead.
Gyökeres impact off the bench secures comfortable victory
Sunderland attempted to respond after the break and forced Raya into a low save from Chemsdine Talbi, but Arsenal quickly regained control of the match.
Gyökeres made an immediate impact after entering as a substitute just after the hour mark. Following a defensive error from Sunderland, Leandro Trossard linked with Havertz, whose clever one-touch pass released the Swedish striker. Despite slipping as he struck the ball, Gyökeres found the net to double Arsenal’s advantage.
Arsenal continued to push forward as substitute Eberechi Eze went close before the hosts added a third goal deep into stoppage time. Gabriel Martinelli led a rapid counterattack and squared the ball for Gyökeres, who calmly finished to complete his brace and secure his fourth goal in as many appearances.
Sunderland, one of the season’s surprise teams, struggled to cope with Arsenal’s attacking quality and rarely threatened throughout the contest. The clean-sheet victory further highlighted Arsenal’s growing confidence as they maintain control of the title race.
