Gyokeres Cameo Proves Decisive As Arsenal Beat Sunderland To Extend Premier League Lead

Arsenal moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League after a 3-0 win over Sunderland, as Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench to score twice and underline Mikel Arteta's trust in the forward while Martin Zubimendi's first-half strike had already set the tone in a match that still demanded hard work from the leaders.

Arteta’s side ended the day at least nine points ahead of Manchester City, regardless of the result in Manchester City's clash with Liverpool on Sunday, and this is the first time Arsenal have held at least such a cushion at the summit in the competition since the final day of their 2003-04 title-winning season, when the advantage reached 11 points.

Gyokeres now has eight Premier League goals, with six of those coming against

promoted teams, and this outing marked the first occasion the Sweden international has scored in consecutive league matches for Arsenal, while since the start of the calendar year Gyokeres has registered six goals in all competitions, more than any other Premier League player in that period.

The forward entered from the bench and needed only six minutes to score the second goal, before adding Arsenal's third in second-half stoppage time, and that late finish killed any remaining Sunderland belief while also providing a direct return for Arteta's decision to hold Gyokeres back for an impact role rather than starting.

Arteta explained that Gyokeres had been prepared for this role before kick-off and praised the attitude shown. "Very happy. He deserves it, Arteta told BBC Match of the Day about Gyokeres. He is a super committed player, and he wants to get better. He saw the line-up, and I told him he'd come in and make an impact. "

The head coach stressed that Sunderland did not allow an easy evening despite the 3-0 scoreline, highlighting Zubimendi's opener as a key moment and pointing to the influence of the substitutes who shifted the match further Arsenal's way as the game wore on and spaces began to appear more often.

Arteta felt the contest tested Arsenal in several areas and also referred to their recent schedule at the same venue. "A really tough game against a really tough opponent, he added. We scored a really beautiful goal with Zubi. They can really break your rhythm, and they're really good in what they do. The subs became critical. It was wonderful to watch. Technically, tactically, mentally [Arsenal were great]. We played a semi-final here a few games ago. It was a very good atmosphere in the stadium, and that's what we need. The home form has been really good. "

Arsenal Premier League win and Sunderland struggles

Sunderland remain without a win in eight Premier League away fixtures, with three draws and five defeats in that run, and the Black Cats have now conceded exactly three goals in each of their last three league matches on the road, underlining the defensive issues that continue to trouble the newly promoted club.

Despite having some control of possession in periods, Sunderland rarely stretched Arsenal's defence, finishing with only 0.2 expected goals from five attempts, and their best early moment came when Brian Brobbey saw a shot blocked close to the line, demonstrating how difficult it was to create clear openings against an organised back line.

Head coach Regis Le Bris felt Sunderland stayed competitive for long spells yet accepted that missed chances and Arsenal's quality defined the outcome. "The score is the score. They were relentless with the ability to seize the opportunities we gave them, Regis Le Bris told Sky Sports. We showed great personality, and we were in the game until the third goal. We had opportunities, and we didn't score. We feel the experience and the quality. We have to accept. We are still a newly promoted side, and we are doing well. We were competitive in that game, but the level is the level. You have to accept it and build on the strong side of our game. "

The result keeps Arsenal in a strong position in the title race while reinforcing Gyokeres' growing influence as an option from the bench, and although Sunderland left with another away defeat, Le Bris focused on using this performance and the lessons from facing the league leaders as a base for future improvement.