Arsenal increased their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points with a 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium, putting title rivals Manchester City under pressure.
Although the scoreline was comfortable in the end, Sunderland’s performance forced Arsenal to strive for victory and strengthened their desire to win their first title in 22 years.
Martin Zvimendi’s incredible low strike (42) and substitute Victor Gokeres’ double (66, 90+3) helped the Gunners extend their advantage at the top of the table after Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth and ahead of Man City’s crucial trip to Anfield, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Super Sunday.
It is the first time Arsenal have held a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League since they last won the title in north London in 2003-04.
Sunday, February 8th 4pm
4:30pm kickoff
Sunderland give victory to Arsenal
Martin Zvimendi jumps up and down in celebration after Arsenal’s first goal
Anyone expecting a comfortable afternoon from Arsenal probably had second thoughts after the opening minutes.
Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s winner in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea in midweek, was heavily involved at both ends from the start, curling a free header wide from eight yards to go before making a crucial block to deny Brian Brobbey’s effort into an empty net following an unlikely error from David Raya.
Sunderland looked like a team without a win in their last seven away league games, with the Gunners having Declan Rice’s shot wide of the target and Gabriel Jesus’ effort from distance only for Robin Roofs to comfortably save.
However, the breakthrough finally came from distance as Martin Zvimendi’s shot from the edge of the box bounced off the inside of the post.
Sunderland may have fallen behind, but continued to play with confidence after the break. Kemzudin Talbi forced a fine save from David Raya, but the Arsenal goalkeeper miskicked the ball as he tried to clear, and Gabriel Magalhães rescued Try Hume with a final cover tackle to rescue his teammate.
Arsenal needed a second goal, so Arteta brought on Gokeres and Gabriel Martinelli, a move that paid off.
Jokeles scored Havertz’s equaliser, his second Premier League goal in total, before slotting the ball home and scoring his third in stoppage time to cap off a perfect afternoon for the Gunners and put Mikel Arteta’s side in an incredible position at the top of the table ahead of City’s crucial game at Anfield.
More to come.
Gokeres scored both goals in the second half.
