Gyökeres Double Powers Arsenal Nine Points Clear After Sunderland Victory

Arsenal strengthened their grip on the Premier League title race with a convincing 3–0 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium, extending their lead at the summit to nine points for the first time since the final day of their 2003–04 title-winning campaign.

Goals from Martin Zubimendi and a second-half brace from Viktor Gyökeres ensured Mikel Arteta’s side capitalised on rivals dropping points while maintaining their formidable home form.

Arsenal kicked off without Gyökeres in the starting line-up, his last absence having coincided with a 3–2 defeat to Manchester United, while Gabriel Jesus was handed his first start since the 3–1 Champions League win over Inter Milan at the San Siro. The hosts dominated possession in the early stages and pushed Sunderland deep, though clear chances proved difficult to find against a disciplined and well-organised defence.

The breakthrough arrived in the 42nd minute. Leandro Trossard picked out Zubimendi on the edge of the area, and the midfielder’s driven effort struck the inside of the left post before nestling into the net to give Arsenal a deserved 1–0 lead at the interval.

Arsenal thought they had the chance to double their advantage shortly after the restart when Gabriel Jesus rounded the goalkeeper and was brought down by Dan Ballard inside the box. However, celebrations were cut short as the assistant’s flag went up for offside, with VAR confirming the decision and overturning the penalty.

The hosts did find breathing space in the 66th minute, just as Sunderland were enjoying their strongest spell of the match. A loose pass on the near side was punished when Kai Havertz cut the ball back for Gyökeres, who, despite losing his balance, rifled a low finish into the bottom-left corner.

The goal continued the striker’s impressive form in 2026, with his five goals across all competitions since the turn of the year more than any other Premier League player.

Arsenal sealed the victory in stoppage time as Gyökeres added his second of the afternoon. Sunderland were caught high up the pitch, allowing Gabriel Martinelli and Gyökeres to break clear on the counter. Martinelli surged into space before squaring for the striker, who stabbed home his eighth goal of the season.

The finish further highlighted Gyökeres’ effectiveness against newly promoted sides, with six of his eight league goals this campaign coming against Leeds (three), Burnley (one) and Sunderland (two).

Zubimendi’s first-half opener laid the platform, while Gyökeres’ late brace turned a competitive contest into a comfortable scoreline. Although Sunderland pushed Arsenal hard for long periods, the hosts showed their clinical edge when it mattered most.

With momentum building and key players returning to fitness, Arsenal move further clear at the top of the Premier League, taking another significant step towards the title.

Sunderland now sit ninth in the table, level on points with eighth-placed Brentford. They face another stern test next week, hosting defending champions Liverpool at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.