Arsenal secured a 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points. Martin Zubimendi scored a stunning opener before substitute Viktor Gyokeres netted twice to seal the win. The result strengthens Arsenal's title bid ahead of Manchester City's trip to Liverpool.
Arsenal's match against Sunderland on February 7, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium unfolded as a hard-fought contest, with the Gunners ultimately prevailing 3-0 to solidify their position at the summit of the Premier League.
The first half saw Arsenal struggle for fluidity despite early chances. Kai Havertz headed wide from a Leandro Trossard cross in the opening minute, while Sunderland nearly capitalized on a David Raya error, only for Havertz to block Brian Brobbey's shot. Declan Rice curled an effort inches past the post, but it was Martin Zubimendi who broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute with a brilliant low strike from distance that curled in off the post after Trossard's build-up play.
Sunderland started the second half strongly, with Chemsdine Talbi forcing a save from Raya and Trai Hume nearly benefiting from another goalkeeper mishap, cleared by Gabriel Magalhaes. Mikel Arteta responded by introducing Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli. Gyokeres scored his first in the 66th minute, powering home after Sunderland failed to clear, marking his second goal in successive league games for the first time since joining Arsenal.
The Swedish striker added a third in stoppage time (90+3), tapping in from Martinelli's unselfish pass after a quick break. This brace took Gyokeres to eight league goals this season, despite a challenging debut campaign following his £64 million summer move.
Arteta praised Gyokeres post-match: "Confidence is the magic word. When you feel confident, when you feel important, when you feel at your best, that’s when you can really take your game to the highest level." He added that the team is "really behind him in every moment to try to help him, to try to support him."
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris acknowledged Arsenal's quality: "We were in the game until the third goal. We had our opportunities... but against a team like that, they are relentless." The Black Cats, promoted this season and unbeaten at home, have struggled away, winless in their last seven league road games.
Arsenal's win, their first nine-point lead since the 2003/04 title-winning season, comes with 13 games remaining. Challengers Manchester City face Liverpool on Sunday, while Aston Villa drew 1-1 at Bournemouth, further boosting Arsenal's advantage. Arteta remained cautious: "Nothing. We still have to win so many games to achieve what we want."
