Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland: Gyökeres double fires Arsenal to victory as Gunners extend lead at the top | OneFootball

Arsenal piled pressure on Manchester City with a commanding 3–0 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Martín Zubimendi opened the scoring before Viktor Gyökeres’ decisive brace extended Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points.

The Black Cats finish the week ninth in the Premier league despite being well-beaten, and remain in touching distance of Europe.

As it happened

The afternoon in north London started off with a worrying moment early in the game for Arsenal coming from a Sunderland set-piece conceded by Calafiori.

The free kick was delivered into the penalty area and Raya attempted to claim it with both hands, but uncharacteristically dropped the ball onto Ballard’s head, where it bounced for Brobbey, leaving him with a golden chance for the opener.

A brilliant and crucial block from Kai Havertz rescued Arsenal, keeping the home side alive.

Rice took it upon himself to give Arsenal the lead, catching it from the distance.

His effort curled towards goal but missed by inches, with the lovely strike whistling past the post.

Zubimendi, served by Trossard on the edge of the box, set Arsenal on their way shortly before the break, breaking Sunderland resistance.

His fifth goal of the season it’s a low stunner coming off the inside to then bend in off the near side post.

Havertz went agonisingly close to doubling the lead before the break, curling an effort from the edge of the box that just failed to bend into the top corner.

The second half began in similar fashion, with Sunderland immediately testing the league leaders.

Brobbey and Sidiki combined brilliantly on the edge of the box, working the ball to Talbi for a first-time strike that forced Raya low to preserve Arsenal’s lead.

Moments later, Hume chased a through ball and set Raya’s nerves jangling again as the goalkeeper miskicked his clearance.

It didn’t fall for Hume, who was eventually crowded out, but it proved another nervy moment for the Spanish keeper.

Viktor Gyökeres had only been on the pitch for five and a half minutes, yet for the first time this season he added his name to the scoresheet in two consecutive games.

His finish gave Arsenal breathing space as Sunderland were seriously threatening an equaliser.

The goal came from the visitors’ own doing – slow to react to a clearance, it fell straight to Havertz setting it at Gyökeres’ feet.

Falling to the ground, he powered the ball home, sending the Emirates into raptures.

Arsenal were looking far less nervy than they had earlier in the afternoon and the fans began to enjoy themselves.

After doubling the lead, the Gunners started playing with their tempo noticeably more relaxed, seemingly aware that the game was effectively over and that the chances of a dramatic turnaround were slim.

Motoring at the top of the league, Arsenal sealed the deal in stoppage time through Gyökeres.

Coming off the bench after Gabriel Jesus had started the afternoon, the Swedish striker rolled the ball into an empty net after Martinelli unselfishly laid it to him.

It was Gyökeres’ second of the game, but brilliant work from the Brazilian, who first won the clearance before beating Reinildo, leaving only the goalkeeper to beat.

With confidence building and the Emirates rocking, Arsenal head nine points clear at the top of the table full of belief and momentum.

A crucial win for Gunners with Aston Villa have held at Bournemouth and Manchester City still to face Liverpool on Sunday.