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.
Former Gunner Paul Merson has told Soccer Saturday that he doesn’t believe in anything other than Man City winning at Anfield on Super Sunday and the title going to the Emirates.
“If the lead is eight or nine points tomorrow evening, the race is over,” he said. “But if Man City could go to Liverpool and win, it would be a real statement. It would definitely be reminiscent of Arsenal.”
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.
Arteta celebrates victory
Arsenal supporters serenaded the team with chants of “We’re top of the league” at the final whistle. If City fail to beat Liverpool on Sunday, the Gunners could be stuck for the rest of the season.
Arteta once again praised his team, saying it was a moment to enjoy their nine-point advantage.
“Sunderland are a really good team and a really difficult team for you,” the Arsenal manager said. “Very physical, very direct, very well organized and they played a really long game.
“We conceded almost nothing. I think the first action by Davide (Raya) trying to make a catch was a foul, but other than that there was nothing.”
“They’re really good at breaking up games and playing until the last moment, so you can’t completely dominate and control the game in every aspect.
“Today is a moment to enjoy. Again, it’s been a really positive week since the game against Leeds, including the team’s reaction. So, yeah, I’m very happy.”
Gokeres: Impact off the bench bodes well for Arsenal
Gokeres scored both goals in the second half.
Gökeres, who has been involved in eight goals in eight games, came off the bench to score two goals for Arsenal, sealing the team’s victory and once again showing the strength of their depth.
The Gunners have scored nine goals from substitutes in the Premier League this season, more than any other side, and Gokeres believes this bodes well for the team.
“The results show that, they (Sunderland) are a very good team,” Gokeres told Sky Sports. “They’re very strong and good in the air, so it’s always going to be a battle. If we score three goals, that’s a good result.”
“We have shown throughout the season that a lot of players have come off the bench and made an impact, which is a very good sign and we have to continue to do that.
“I’ve had some great results recently, but it’s always tough. To win games, I have to be at the top in every aspect. I have to prepare my body and win the next game.”
Has Gokeres found a new role at Arsenal that suits him?
Victor Goqueres scores late to give Arsenal a 3-0 win over Sunderland
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Callum Bishop:
“Gabriel Jesus’ return from injury is important from Victor Gokeres’ point of view. He is no longer guaranteed to lead Arsenal’s line.
“Given what a difficult season it has been for the Swede, it might have been easy for him to retreat further into his shell. Over the last few seasons he has been used to averaging more than one goal per game. He has scored 13 goals in 25 games for the Gunners, but he hasn’t quite reached that level.”
“But significant progress is clear. The 27-year-old has been involved in eight goals in the last eight games. In 2026, he will have scored more goals than any other Premier League player across all competitions.”
“Yes, some may point out opponents in some games. Kairat Almaty should have been ignored. The games against Leeds and Sunderland are not easy, but they are still games that Arsenal are expected to win. But that also includes goals and assists against Chelsea and Inter Milan.”
“What’s interesting to note is that the goal against Milan was similar to the second goal against the Black Cats. Gokeres was able to withstand the opposition’s pressure in front of goal. The finishing was different, but the nature was the same. And he was fresher coming off the bench.”
“Perhaps that will be the key to getting the best out of Gokeres towards the end of the season. With Jesus and Havertz back as options, does Arteta see Gokeres as an impact player on the bench?”
“The role seems to suit his strengths. Arsenal rarely play games that give Gokeres the chance to run in behind and attack defenders, as they usually keep the ball in high areas of the pitch. But against Inter, In a tense game like the one against Sunderland, their resolute defensive structure allows them to absorb pressure and attack the team on the break.With Gökeres fresh and up top at that moment, there is no player in the Gunners’ squad he would rather lead.
“The depth and strength that Arteta has at his disposal will be crucial from now until the end of the season. His nine goals off the bench are the most of any Premier League club and proves how much quality he has. But just as important is how he uses it.”
“Did Gokeres ever dream of coming to the Emirates to be a player coming off the bench? Of course not. But that could be where he can do the most from now until the end of the season.”
‘Arsenal were relentless’
Sunderland have been the league’s surprise package this season, but this was their third defeat in four games.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris told Sky Sports: “We were in the game until the third goal. We had chances to turn things around, especially at the beginning of the second half. We didn’t score, but when you play against a team like that they are relentless.”
“They are top of the league and top of the Champions League, so you know they have good qualities.
“We feel the experience, we feel the quality. But again, a score is a score and we have to accept and take the lessons.
“They’ve built this team over the years. They’re really balanced in every part of their game. So even before we got here, we knew it was just a matter of details. And those big moments were for them today.”
“I think we were competitive in the game and it shows that we are improving through different experiences in the Premier League. But a level is a level and you have to face it. And if the opponent is better than you, you just accept it.”
