Arsenal moved a step closer to a first Premier League title in 22 years after a convincing 3–0 victory over Sunderland sent the Gunners nine points clear at the top of the table.
Martin Zubimendi’s long-range strike just before half-time eased nerves at the Emirates Stadium before Viktor Gyokeres struck twice in the second half to silence his critics.
Manchester City can cut the gap back to six points if they end a winless run at Anfield stretching back to 2003 by beating Liverpool on Sunday. Even so, after three consecutive second-place finishes, it increasingly looks a matter of when — not if — Mikel Arteta’s side will finally be crowned champions.
Defeat dealt a blow to Sunderland’s hopes of European qualification in their first season back in the top flight.
Regis Le Bris’ men showed why they sit eighth with a disciplined first-half display that frustrated Arsenal and prompted murmurs from the home crowd over a lack of creativity from open play.
The breakthrough came when Zubimendi unlocked the visitors’ defence with a crisp effort from outside the box that clipped the inside of the post on its way in, his sixth goal of an impressive debut season in English football.
Gyokeres, who has faced criticism for failing to replicate his prolific form at Sporting Lisbon, underlined his importance by extending Arsenal’s lead 25 minutes from time. The Sweden international powered home from a Kai Havertz pass, taking his tally to 13 goals in all competitions.
He added his second in stoppage time after Gabriel Martinelli squared for an easy finish, sealing a dominant win.
The only blemish on Arsenal’s afternoon came late on when Leandro Trossard was forced off injured, a concern for Arteta with his side still competing on four fronts.
Arsenal face Manchester City in next month’s League Cup final, host Wigan in the FA Cup fourth round, and cruised into the Champions League last 16 after winning all eight games in the league phase.
AFP
