Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland
by Layth Yousif
at Ashburton Grove

ARSENAL beat Sunderland on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table through Martin Zubimendi’s first half strike, supplemented by a brace from substitute Viktor Gyokeres after the break. 

Zubimendi broke the deadlock by drilling a low effort in off the post to relieve the tension somewhat in north London three minutes before the break, prior to Gyokeres grabbing a brace after the interval to seal a vital victory, which once again underlined the Gunners title credentials.

Against a determinedly tenacious Sunderland side, Zubimendi notched his sixth goal of an increasingly influential campaign, while second half substitute Gyokeres grabbed his seventh and eight league goals this term, to make it a thoroughly respectable 13 for the season so far, with the promise of more to come. 

Speaking after the match, a delighted Mikel Arteta was full of praise for the bustling 27-year-old striker, after last summer’s arrival from Sporting Lisbon made it six goals across all competitions in 2026 already, more than any other Premier League player, while posting eight goal contributions in as many matches. 

Hailing the Swede’s resilience and mental strength, Arteta said: “When you put that shirt on, it comes with a lot of responsibility and huge expectations, and you need to live with that. And in your journey here, you’re going to have moments where it goes really well and others that are going to be tough. Because, as well, you have an opponent that plays a part and he makes it really difficult for you.”

Arteta added with fulsome praise: “I love his character, the way he approaches every single day and the fact that he’s so focused on the present, what he has to do, and he has a genuine will to help the team in whatever role he has.”

On a grey and intermittently rainy winter’s afternoon in Islington, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were still missing from the Arsenal squad but Jurrien Timber was fit to start.

The Netherlands defender was joined in the starting XI by David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus, as Arteta made five changes from the midweek League Cup win over Chelsea. While Kepa, Piero Hincapie, Eberechi Eze, Gabi Martinelli and Gyokeres all dropped to the bench.

Regis Le Bris opted for the same Sunderland XI that won 3-0 against Burnley at the Stadium of Light last Monday.

In an opening that contained plenty of endeavour, but little by way of end product, both teams blustered for control of the opening half an hour.

On 29 minutes, candidate for Player of the Season, Declan Rice fired narrowly wide with a stinging shot that looked to be millimetres nearer entering the net upon every further viewing.

Four minutes later Jesus attempted a low drive from the left-hand side of the box that Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs gathered.

However, the home side’s growing domination could not be halted, as Arsenal eventually went 1-0 up 180 seconds before half time. 

The opener coming after the dangerous Zubimendi fired in off Roefs right-hand post to put the Gunners ahead, after being teed up by the lively Trossard, as the stadium erupted, as much in relief than delight.

The lead was nearly doubled moments later as Jesus raced through after a delicious Kai Havertz through ball, before tangling with the Sunderland backline, with the home support appealing for a penalty. VAR was called for, with the technology ruling that the Brazil attacker was marginally offside on the halfway line before running onto goal.

Sunderland came out for the restart with renewed vigour, with Chemsdine Talbi forcing an important save from Raya, before an outstanding covering tackle from Gabriel denied captain Trai Hume, just as the Black Cats’ captain was about to pull the trigger.

Arsenal swept up the other end, with Havertz firing wide shortly afterwards, the home side aware a slender one goal lead would not be enough against a determined Sunderland side. 

Albeit with home fans missing a reunion with former Gunner and currently injured Wearsiders’ captain Granit Xhaka, who was in attendance. Even if the redoubtable former Arsenal academy centre-back Dan Ballard returned to his old club.

As did Niall Quinn. It was a nice touch by the stadium PA to have had a quick pre-match chat with the affable Quinn, still hugely respected by fans of both clubs, as they joked about this game being the “Niall Quinn” derby. 

It was good to hear the tall, genial Irishman speak so warmly about Arsenal. Especially when the mind’s eye of this observer still recalls being at long-lost Highbury as a wide-eyed youngster on a bitterly cold winter’s afternoon, on the then 19-year-old Quinn’s goalscoring debut during a 2-0 win against that all-conquering Liverpool side all the way back in December 1985. 

Reveries of a blissful childhood memory quickly burst, and it was back to the present, as Arsenal still had a game to win. 

Arteta threw on Gyokeres and Martinelli, to replace Jesus and Madueke on the hour mark. The Swedish striker was to make an impact a mere six minutes later, thudding the ball home on 66 minutes to double to the lead, following good work from Trossard, and an assist from Havertz, as the stadium erupted once again.

It was such a powerful strike that was not so much about finesse, as raw power, rather like a blacksmith hammering hot metal on an anvil, to make it 2-0.

Finally, the team and crowd could relax somewhat, such had been the tangible tension prior to Gyokeres goal, as the fans suddenly remembered they had a trip to Wembley to sing about, which they gleefully chorused, as the home side continued to dominate, but now without evident fear.

The Gunners were to extend their lead shortly before the final whistle when Gyokeres grabbed his second of a productive afternoon, to make the final scoreline 3-0, in an increasingly productive season. 

The goal coming after a pulsating break from the halfway line by the generous Martinelli, who, as Roefs approached, squared for the Swede to pounce from close range. The joy from Martinelli afterwards matched, if not surpassed Gyokeres celebrations, even if we were treated to a rare smile from the normally inscrutable Swede, underlining the abundant team spirit this Arsenal side possesses. 

Arteta was full of acclaim for his squad, underling how “important the finishers are, the impact that they are having on the team, the results, and where we are at the moment.” No wonder he added: “So, I’m very happy.”

The victory propelled Arsenal nine points clear on Saturday night, with the prospect of Manchester City facing a tough trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. 

Reflecting after the match, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris was proud of his promoted side, earning so many plaudits since their elevation to the top-flight. “We showed character and personality,” he said. 

The dignified French head coach also took time to recognise his victorious opponents, adding: “I knew Arsenal were really well rounded and impactful.” The Black Cats’ boss praised Arteta’s Gunners calling them: “The best team in England and Europe.”

It was also telling when he was asked if he felt Arsenal would win the title, he replied emphatically: “Yes, I think so…”

Pressure? What pressure?