Arsenal piled the pressure on title rivals Manchester City with a 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points.
Martin Zubimendi’s stunning low strike from the edge of the box (42) broke the deadlock before substitute Viktor Gyokeres sealed the win with two second-half goals (66, 90+3). The result moves Arsenal nine clear after Aston Villa drew at Bournemouth and ahead of City’s crucial trip to Anfield.
It is the first time Arsenal have held a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League since their 2003/04 title-winning season. Former Gunner Paul Merson said on Soccer Saturday that if City do not win at Liverpool, “the race is over.”
Sunderland’s organised, physical approach made Arsenal work. Kai Havertz squandered an early headed chance and then produced a key block to deny Brian Brobbey after an error from David Raya. Raya also mis-kicked an attempted clearance in the second half, requiring Gabriel Magalhaes to make a last-ditch tackle to avert a Sunderland chance. Robin Roefs produced a smart save from Gabriel Jesus as Sunderland kept the match tight until the break.
The breakthrough came just before half-time when Zubimendi’s strike curled in off the inside of the post. Sunderland continued to threaten after the restart — Chemsdine Talbi forced a fine save from Raya — but Arsenal’s depth proved decisive. Mikel Arteta introduced Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli; Gyokeres tapped home a chance created by Havertz for his second league goal in successive games, then added a late third to wrap up the win.
Arteta praised Sunderland’s difficulty and his players’ response: “Sunderland are a really good side and make it really difficult for you… Today is a moment to enjoy. Again, it’s been a really positive week.” He noted his team had reacted well since the game against Leeds.
Gyokeres, who now has eight goal involvements in eight games and has scored more goals than any Premier League player in 2026 across all competitions, hailed the squad’s ability to impact games from the bench. “We’ve shown throughout the season that a lot of players have come from the bench and had an impact. It’s a very good sign and we have to keep it going,” he told Sky Sports. Arsenal have scored nine Premier League goals from substitutes this season — the most of any club.
Sky Sports analyst Callum Bishop suggested Gyokeres may be most effective as an impact forward: with Gabriel Jesus and Havertz available, Gyokeres’ speed and freshness off the bench can exploit tired defences and produce decisive moments late in games.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris accepted the defeat but stressed his team’s growth: “We were in the game until the third goal… We were competitive, which shows we are growing through different experiences in the Premier League. But the level is the level and you have to face it.”
Player of the Match was Martin Zubimendi. Arsenal’s victory not only strengthened their title bid but underlined the squad depth that could prove decisive as the season’s run-in approaches, leaving the onus on Manchester City to respond at Anfield.
