Arsenal player ratings vs Sunderland: Martin Zubimendi flawless as Viktor Gyokeres enjoys brilliant cameo | OneFootball

Arsenal’s two summer signings make the difference at the Emirates Stadium, but David Raya has an afternoon to forget

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a routine 3-0 win over Sunderland.

The Gunners are now nine points clear of Manchester City, who travel to Anfield on Sunday, and Aston Villa.

Matt Verri was at the Emirates to rate the Arsenal players...

David Raya 5

One disastrous moment when dropping a free-kick at Brobbey’s feet, as Havertz came to the rescue, and made a mess of things when rushing out to clear ball in behind.

Jurrien Timber 7

Missed training earlier this week but fit to deliver another strong display. Led the way for tackles and won six of his seven duels. Still not entirely convincing in good positions in the final third.

William Saliba 8

Dominated physical battle with Brobbey early on but then caught out and booked when Diarra flicked the ball over him. Otherwise brilliant and unusually made more clearances than his centre-back partner.

Gabriel 7

Just always in the right place. Perfect last-ditch challenge stopped Hume getting a shot away. Had some shaky moments against Brobbey but on the whole impressive once more.

Riccardo Calafiori 5

Two terrible moments on the ball in first-half stoppage time, playing a pass straight to Sunderland to allow a counter and then slicing a clearance on the edge of his own box. Quiet in attack too.

Martin Zubimendi 8

Sensational technique to drill low finish in off the post for opening goal. Nearly flawless in possession and mopped up when required. Only concern is how much football he is playing.

Martin Zubimendi broke the deadlock against Sunderland with a fine strike

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Declan Rice 8

A monster in midfied yet again. Single-handedly stopped one dangerous Sunderland counter in the first half and burst back to halt more than one attack after the break. Whipped a brilliant effort just wide from distance.

Noni Madueke 6

Saw plenty of the ball in the first 45 minutes but had no real impact. Too many touches at times and poor delivery at other points. One shot blocked when cutting inside but otherwise not decisive enough.

Kai Havertz 7

Pivotal block in his own block when Brobbey was briefly presented with an open goal. Should have done better with an early header but otherwise looked sharp - rolled ball into Gyokeres’ path for the second goal.

Leandro Trossard 8

No Arsenal player had more touches in the first half. Lovely cross found Havertz inside 30 seconds and the Belgian was unlucky to see two well-struck volleys blocked. Created four chances.

Gabriel Jesus 6

Helped add a fluid feel to the Arsenal attack, drifting out wide and rotating Trossard. Thought he’d won a penalty but the offside flag was up - dithered too long with that chance anyway.

Substitutes:

Gabriel Martinelli (Madueke 60’) 8

Relentless pressing off the ball and lightning quick to burst away in stoppage time, putting Gyokeres’ second on a plate. Electric late on.

Viktor Gyokeres (Jesus 60’) 9

Brilliant cameo. Emphatic finish to fire in at the near post, calmly added a second late on and looked really powerful in holding the ball up.

Piero Hincapie (Calafiori 67’) 7

Looked more secure at the back than Calafiori, stopping the crosses coming in.

Eberechi Eze (Havertz 67’) 7

Has had some quiet displays off the bench but this was better. Dragged an effort just wide

Christian Norgaard (Trossard 89’) N/A