Viktor Gyokeres scored twice as Arsenal comfortably beat Sunderland to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points.
It was another assured home display, even if patience was required early on.
The Gunners looked like they were going to be frustrated by a well organised Sunderland defence before Martin Zubimendi’s excellent strike beat Robin Roefs, after hitting the post.
Sunderland did cause problems, with Brian Brobbey unsettling the Arsenal backline with his physicality. The forward even had a shot cleared off the line by Kai Havertz after David Raya fumbled.
Declan Rice and Havertz went close with curling strikes before substitute Gyokeres slammed the ball into the net after being teed up by Havertz in the 66th minute.
From there, Arsenal’s control became more obvious. The Swedish international then finished into an empty net in stoppage time after Gabriel Martinelli rolled the ball across the box to him.
Arsenal’s home authority tightens title grip as rivals falter
After Aston Villa’s draw with Bournemouth and Manchester City not in action until Sunday afternoon, the victory adds more pressure on Arsenal’s title rivals.
This season, no team in the Premier League has won more points at home this season than the 32 by Arsenal. Equally, nobody has conceded fewer goals than their eight.
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Arsenal were without injured duo Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard but produced a disciplined performance to register a ninth home win from 12 games.
The reliable Zubimendi opened the scoring with his fifth league goal of the campaign. Meanwhile, there are signs that Gyokeres is finding his feet after a difficult start. Seven of his eight league goals have come against newly-promoted sides, including these two against Sunderland.
This type of game will not define an already impressive Sunderland season. However, Arsenal visit Brentford next, while Sunderland host Liverpool.
Tags: Viktor Gyokeres, #AFC, #ARSSUN, #COYG, Arsenal, #PremierLeague26, Sunderland, Robin Roefs, Martin Zubimendi, Brian Brobbey, Kai Havertz, David Raya, Premier League, Declan Rice.
