Arsenal moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table (for now) with a controlled 3–0 win over Sunderland at the Emirates. It wasn’t always straightforward — the visitors arrived organised, aggressive, and willing to play — but the Gunners were patient, clinical when it mattered, and ultimately dominant.
Mikel Arteta made a few notable calls: Riccardo Calafiori returned at left-back, Kai Havertz started in midfield, and Gabriel Jesus led the line. Arsenal began brightly — Havertz headed a Leandro Trossard cross wide early — but Sunderland posed real threats. David Raya fumbled under pressure, Brian Brobbey’s follow-up had to be hacked clear, and the game felt edgy.
Declan Rice curled one just wide, Brobbey was booked for a challenge on Martin Zubimendi (glancing contact, but it looked worse live), and the tone was set: this wasn’t a walkover.
Zubimendi delivered the opener just before the half-hour. Trossard drew defenders, laid it back, and the Spaniard’s low drive kissed the inside of the post before nestling in. 1–0. A corner-flag celebration in tribute to the injured Mikel Merino added a touching note.
Arsenal could have gone further ahead before the break: Havertz bent one just wide, Jesus was flagged offside when clean through (after a foul). Sunderland remained dangerous, but Arsenal held firm.
The second period belonged to Arsenal. Arteta’s changes — Martinelli and Viktor Gyökeres introduced — made an immediate impact. Trossard found Havertz, who rolled it back for Gyökeres. The Swede slipped slightly, steadied, and smashed home. 2–0. Confidence is visibly growing.
The third arrived late: Martinelli raced onto a loose clearance, surged into the box, and squared for Gyökeres to tap in his second. 3–0. A trademark celebration followed.
Sunderland had moments — Raya saved well, Gabriel made a crucial intervention, Zubimendi read danger — but Arsenal managed intelligently, draining belief and seeing the game out.
📹 FULLTIME - Match highlights
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 🍿 (@TheLokiLad) February 7, 2026
🔴 Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland 🔵
▪️ Viktor Gyokeres scores two goals as Arsenal comfortably beat Sunderland 3-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.#PremierLeague #ARSSUN pic.twitter.com/ZRIyrFeutx https://t.co/3g0F6mBW7T
Key Takeaways
- Patient & Professional — Arsenal controlled key moments, stayed composed, and punished when chances arrived.
- Midfield Threat — Zubimendi scored and orchestrated; Rice anchored with authority.
- Striker Steps Up — Gyökeres delivered two goals and growing confidence.
- Depth & Discipline — Havertz and Trossard excellent; clean sheet intact.
Arteta’s Verdict
“We needed to be patient. Sunderland made it difficult, but we clicked in the second half — efficient, hungry, and clinical.”
Minor concerns: Saka’s niggle and a potential issue for Merino, but nothing appears major.
This was the response Arsenal needed. A convincing win, clean sheet, and nine-point cushion (for now). Sunderland fought hard but were ultimately outclassed. Momentum restored, pressure applied — the title chase continues.
COYG ❤️⚪
On to the next.
