Arsenal increased the pressure on Premier League rivals by beating Sunderland 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, stretching their lead at the top to nine points.
A stunning low strike from Martin Zubimendi from the edge of the box put Arsenal ahead just before half-time (42), and substitute Viktor Gyokeres wrapped up the victory with two late goals (66, 90+3). The win took Arsenal nine clear after Aston Villa’s draw at Bournemouth and ahead of Manchester City’s crucial trip to Anfield.
This is Arsenal’s largest top-of-the-table advantage since their unbeaten 2003/04 title season. Former Gunner Paul Merson told Soccer Saturday that if City fail to win at Liverpool, “the race is over.”
Sunderland’s organised, physical game made Arsenal work hard for the win. Kai Havertz missed an early header and then produced a vital block to deny Brian Brobbey after an error from David Raya. Raya mis-kicked a clearance in the second half, forcing Gabriel Magalhaes into a last-ditch tackle to stop a Sunderland chance, and goalkeeper Robin Roefs produced a smart save from Gabriel Jesus as the visitors kept the contest tight before the break.
The breakthrough arrived on the stroke of half-time when Zubimendi’s low effort 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 bench made the difference. Mikel Arteta introduced Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli; Gyokeres tapped in after Havertz created the chance for his second league goal in successive matches, then added a late third to seal the three points.
Arteta praised Sunderland’s resilience and his squad’s 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 highlighted how well his team reacted after the Leeds game.
Gyokeres, now involved in eight goals across eight appearances and scoring more goals than any Premier League player in 2026 across all competitions, celebrated the bench’s impact. “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 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, using pace and freshness to exploit tired defences when Gabriel Jesus and Havertz start.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris accepted the defeat but saw progress: “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.”
Martin Zubimendi was named Player of the Match. The victory reinforced Arsenal’s title bid and underlined the squad depth that could prove decisive as the season reaches its climax, leaving the onus on Manchester City to respond at Anfield.