Arsenal ramped up the pressure on title rivals Manchester City after cruising to a 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium, opening up a nine-point cushion at the summit of the Premier League.
While the final margin suggested a straightforward afternoon, Sunderland pushed Arsenal to their limits for long spells in a result that further bolsters the Gunners’ pursuit of a first league crown in 22 years.
Martin Zubimendi’s superb low effort (42) broke the deadlock before substitute Viktor Gyokeres struck twice (66, 90+3) to stretch Arsenal’s lead at the top following Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth and with Manchester City still to travel to Anfield for their pivotal clash, live on Sky Sports on Super Sunday.
It marks the first occasion since the 2003/04 campaign that Arsenal have enjoyed a nine-point advantage at the top of the Premier League — the last season the title returned to north London.
Sunderland force Arsenal to earn victory
Those anticipating an easy afternoon for Arsenal may have reconsidered within the opening stages.
Kai Havertz, fresh from deciding the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea in midweek, was central to the early drama. He headed a free chance wide from close range before producing a vital block to deny Brian Brobbey, who looked set to score after a rare mistake from David Raya.
Sunderland showed little sign of their struggles away from home, limiting Arsenal to a Declan Rice effort that drifted narrowly wide and a long-range Gabriel Jesus attempt that Robin Roefs gathered comfortably.
The breakthrough eventually arrived from outside the area, with Martin Zubimendi bending a strike in off the inside of the post from the edge of the box.
Despite falling behind, Sunderland remained positive after the interval. Chemsdine Talbi tested David Raya with a sharp effort before the goalkeeper misjudged a clearance, only for Gabriel Magalhaes to recover with a crucial last-ditch challenge on Trai Hume.
Recognising the need for a second goal, Arteta introduced Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli — a decision that quickly paid off.
Gyokeres bundled the ball home after being set up by Havertz for his second Premier League goal in successive matches, before sealing an emphatic victory with a stoppage-time finish that leaves Mikel Arteta’s side in a commanding position at the top of the table ahead of City’s decisive trip to Anfield.
