Arsenal tighten their grip on the top of the Premier League and open a nine-point gap over Manchester City
Mikel Arteta’s side cruised past Sunderland with ease, putting pressure on Guardiola’s team, who are now forced to beat Liverpool.
The Emirates Stadium was once again the stage for a performance that reinforces a growing belief across England: Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is the real deal. The Gunners dismantled Sunderland 3-0 with a display of clinical efficiency and emotional depth, maintaining their grip on the top of the Premier League. While the three points were vital, the narrative of the night belonged to Martín Zubimendi, the Spanish maestro who has become the beating heart of North London in this 2026 season.
Zubimendi’s Banger and the Merino "Bromance"
The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute after a period of intense pressure. Arsenal had already knocked on the door with efforts from Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, but it was Zubimendi who found the key. Picking up a pass from Leandro Trossard outside the area, the summer signing unleashed a ferocious left-footed strike that zipped across the wet turf and clipped the post on its way into the net.
The goal—Zubimendi’s fifth of the season, marking a career-high for him—was followed by the most poignant moment of the afternoon. Zubimendi raced toward the corner flag and imitated the iconic celebration of his compatriot and teammate, Mikel Merino. Merino, who is currently sidelined with a serious bone injury that may end his season, was seen in the stands visibly moved, returning the applause as the Emirates crowd roared in solidarity. This gesture perfectly encapsulated the "human chemistry" that Arteta has cultivated within the dressing room.
The Gyökeres Factor: Tactical Dominance from the Bench
Despite the emotional high of the first half, the game remained a tactical battle until Arteta looked to his bench. The introduction of Viktor Gyökeres in the second half proved to be the final nail in Sunderland’s coffin. The Swedish powerhouse needed little time to make his mark, doubling the lead in the 66th minute with a clinical finish from a Havertz cross.
As Sunderland’s defense began to fracture under the relentless Arsenal press, Gyökeres struck again in stoppage time. In the 93rd minute, Gabriel Martinelli led a lightning-fast counter-attack, sliding a perfect ball to Gyökeres, who made no mistake in making it 3-0. The Swede debuted his signature "mask" celebration twice, a sight that has become a symbol of Arsenal’s renewed attacking ruthlessness in 2026.
Nine Points Clear: Pressure on the Giants
With this victory, Arsenal moves nine points clear at the summit of the Premier League. While Manchester City is set to visit Anfield on Sunday for a high-stakes clash against Liverpool, the Gunners have done their job with surgical precision.
The integration of players like Zubimendi and Gyökeres has elevated Arsenal's floor, allowing them to maintain a "perfect run" even when key figures like Merino are absent. Zubimendi, in particular, has silenced any doubters; he isn't just a defensive shield anymore—he generates, he organizes, and as Sunderland learned the hard way, he can now finish with the best of them.
