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Premier League table-toppers Arsenal extended their lead to 9 points over chasing Manchester City with their 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Emirates on Saturday.
Victor Gyokeres found the net twice after coming off the bench, after Martin Zubimendi had put Mikel Arteta and Co. ahead in the first-half.
Arteta’s team took the lead in the 42nd minute when Zubimendi scored past Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs at his near post. Gyokeres secured Arsenal’s second consecutive league victory with a goal in the 66th minute, and the Swede found the net again in stoppage time.
The Gunners, who last claimed a trophy in the 2020 FA Cup, are vying for their first English title in 22 years. After finishing as runners-up in the Premier League for three consecutive
seasons, including squandering significant leads in 2023 and 2024, the north Londoners finally appear poised to end their title drought.
Arsenal also triumphed over Chelsea in midweek to set up a League Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley on March 22.
Second-placed City will be under pressure to close the gap by defeating Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
“We still have to win many games to achieve our goals. I’m going to have a lovely dinner tonight and watch the big game between City and Liverpool tomorrow,” Arteta said.
Third-placed Aston Villa are also nine points behind the Gunners after a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. Villa took the lead with Morgan Rogers’ strike into the top corner in the 22nd minute. However, Brazilian teenager Rayan equalised for Bournemouth with his first top-flight goal in the 55th minute.
Earlier in the day, Manchester United coasted to their fourth win on the bounce under caretaker Michael Carrick with a 2-0 win over 10-men Tottenham, following Christian Romero’s sending off in the first-half of the game as Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes were on target for the Red Devils.
