Mikel Arteta says Viktor Gyokeres is playing at his best after the striker’s second-half brace helped Arsenal beat Sunderland 3-0 at the Emirates. Martin Zubimendi put the Gunners ahead in the first half, and Gyokeres struck twice after coming off the bench — his first goal arriving six minutes after his introduction and a second in stoppage time — as Arsenal stretched their lead to nine points at the top of the Premier League.
Gyokeres has weathered criticism since arriving in north London, but his brace extended a strong run: four goals in four matches and six in his last eight appearances. Arteta attributed the improvement to confidence and strong support from the club, saying the team backs him and that Gyokeres is in a good moment. The manager praised his mentality, describing him as demanding of himself, focused on the present and willing to help the team in any role.
Impact from the bench
Arsenal again underlined their squad depth with Gyokeres’ game-changing cameo. The club has now scored nine Premier League goals from substitutes this season — more than any other team — a sign of the strength Arteta can call on. Gyokeres said the result reflected the squad’s quality and that many players have made meaningful contributions off the bench. He added that Sunderland were a tough opponent, especially in the air, and stressed the need to keep preparing physically and mentally for each game.
A role that suits him?
Analysis suggests Gabriel Jesus’ return to fitness has reduced Gyokeres’ guarantee of starting, which could actually play to his strengths. After a mixed first season — 11 goals in 31 appearances so far — Gyokeres has become increasingly influential: eight goal involvements in his last eight matches, and in 2026 he has scored more goals than any other Premier League player across all competitions. Key strikes against the likes of Chelsea and Inter Milan show he can deliver in big moments.
Several of those finishes share a pattern with his late goal against Sunderland: arriving fresh from the bench, exploiting space as opponents press, and converting on transitions. That freshness and directness make him an effective option as an impact substitute in tight games where Arsenal can absorb pressure and counter. Arteta’s depth — evidenced by the league-leading nine substitute goals — is valuable, but how he chooses to use players like Gyokeres will be important for the run-in. Gyokeres may yet prove most effective as a super-sub through the season’s closing months.
Title race and next steps
Arsenal sit in a strong position with 39 points still available from 13 matches, though Manchester City could reduce the gap to six if they get a result at Anfield. Arteta downplayed the immediate significance of the Sunderland win for the title race, noting there are still many games to win. He said he would enjoy the evening before turning his attention to preparing for Brentford and added that he would be watching the big Liverpool–City clash closely.