Overview
- Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring on 42 minutes before substitute Viktor Gyokeres added goals in the 66th and 90+3rd minutes to seal a 3-0 victory at the Emirates.
- Mikel Arteta started Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Havertz; Madueke, Jesus, Trossard, with Bukayo Saka absent as Gabriel Jesus led the line and Gyokeres came off the bench.
- The win extends Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points with Manchester City playing Liverpool on Sunday.
- Sky Sports noted it is Arsenal’s first nine-point advantage at the summit since the 2003/04 campaign.
- Arsenal navigated injuries and rotation after reaching the Carabao Cup final (Merino out long-term), while Sunderland missed captain Granit Xhaka and continued a strong home but weaker away pattern following a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture.