Arsenal fans had reason to celebrate as Viktor Gyokeres delivered a stunning performance, driving his team to a commanding 3-0 victory over Sunderland and extending their lead at the summit of the Premier League table to a hefty nine points. In a weekend where rivals Manchester City were yet to play and Aston Villa stumbled against Bournemouth, the Gunners made the most of their opportunity to put daylight between themselves and the rest of the pack.
Blistering start: Early pressure hints at Arsenal’s intent
The pace was set almost immediately, with Kai Havertz nearly giving Arsenal the perfect start—his glancing header missing the target by mere inches just 22 seconds into the game. The home crowd barely caught its breath before Havertz showed his defensive commitment as well, blocking Brian Brobbey's fierce close-range shot on the line after a nervy moment from goalkeeper David Raya. Declan Rice soon added to the pressure with a beautifully struck effort that curled just wide, signaling Arsenal’s attacking ambition and willingness to test Sunderland from all angles.
As Arsenal continued to dominate possession and territory, it seemed only a matter of time before the deadlock would be broken. With three minutes left in the first half, Leandro Trossard found Martin Zubimendi in the box with a smart pull-back. Zubimendi, unmarked and poised, produced a moment of magic—slotting the ball home with a slick outside-of-the-boot finish that nestled just inside the left post and finally beat Sunderland’s keeper Robin Roefs. That goal not only reflected Arsenal’s patience but also underscored their technical prowess and ability to unlock stubborn defenses.
Gyokeres the game-changer: a super sub steals the show
With Sunderland fading after a bright start to the second half, attention turned to Arsenal’s impactful bench. Viktor Gyokeres, introduced just after the hour mark, wasted little time making his presence felt. Six minutes into his appearance, the Swedish striker recovered from a stumble to fire home Arsenal’s second, showcasing both persistence and composure inside the box.
His contribution didn’t end there. In stoppage time, Gyokeres was again in the right place at the right time—Gabriel Martinelli led a blistering counter-attack and unselfishly set up Gyokeres, who tapped in to seal the result. Since the turn of the year, no player in the Premier League has scored more across all competitions than Gyokeres, who now boasts six goals—a testament to his red-hot form and Arteta’s tactical flexibility.
Substitutes make the difference: tactical masterclass from Arteta
Mikel Arteta’s ability to use his substitutes effectively shone through, with Gyokeres contributing significantly to the overall attacking output. Arsenal finished with 16 shots and an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.22—Gyokeres alone accounted for 0.69 xG, underlining his sharpness in front of goal. Sunderland, meanwhile, mustered just 0.17 xG, a figure that highlights Arsenal’s defensive stability as well as their control of the proceedings. It is worth noting that six of Gyokeres’ eight Premier League goals this season have come against promoted teams, and he now has scored in back-to-back top-flight matches for the first time with Arsenal.
Key Arsenal numbers at a glance:
- 9 points clear at the top—their largest cushion since their 2003-04 "Invincibles" campaign
- Gyokeres: 6 goals in 2025 across all competitions
- 16 shots, 1.22 xG for the team, versus Sunderland’s 0.17
As the Premier League season unfolds, Arsenal’s combination of youthful energy, tactical intelligence, and squad depth is making even the most skeptical fans dream. The Gunners have not ended a day with at least a nine-point lead since their glorious 2003-04 triumph—and while it’s too soon to print champion T-shirts, the signs are promising. The question now is, can Arteta’s men maintain their focus and momentum as rivals regroup?