Arsenal moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium, but the scoreline told only part of the story of a contest in which the visitors made the leaders work hard. Martin Zubimendi's superb strike just before half-time finally broke Sunderland's resistance, before substitute Viktor Gyokeres added a decisive late double.
The result, combined with Aston Villa's draw at Bournemouth and with Manchester City not in action until their trip to Anfield on Sunday, strengthens Arsenal's push for a first league title in 22 years and puts significant pressure on their closest chasers. Sunderland, meanwhile, left north London empty-handed but with further evidence of why their excellent season has prompted talk of a surprise European challenge.
Sunderland's Organisation Stalls Leaders in Cagey First Half
Anyone anticipating a routine afternoon for the league leaders quickly realised Sunderland had other ideas. The Black Cats, despite arriving without a win in seven league matches on the road, were extremely well organised from the outset, closing spaces and limiting Arsenal largely to efforts from distance.