Arsenal move nine points clear as Sunderland’s resistance crumbles at the Emirates.

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points with a composed 3–0 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium.

It was not a performance built on relentless intensity, but it was authoritative enough to underline why Mikel Arteta’s side remain in command of the title race.

Sunderland arrived with a clear defensive plan and executed it well for long periods.

Their organisation restricted Arsenal’s usual rhythm and forced the hosts into patience rather than penetration.

The opening half was defined by control rather than chances.

Arsenal dominated territory and possession, yet clear openings were limited as Sunderland held their shape and slowed the tempo.

There were moments of threat.

Declan Rice bent an effort narrowly wide, while Kai Havertz blocked a shot after David Raya spilled a Sunderland delivery under pressure.

The breakthrough eventually came from distance.

Martín Zubimendi, once again influential in midfield, struck low from outside the box, his effort clipping the inside of the post before beating Robin Roefs.

It was a goal that reflected Arsenal’s willingness to wait for the right opening rather than force one.

The second half followed a similar pattern.

Sunderland showed brief ambition after the restart, but sustained pressure remained elusive and Arsenal rarely looked unsettled.

Arteta’s side continued to probe, moving the ball with control rather than urgency.

The decisive second goal arrived just after the hour.

Substitute Viktor Gyökeres finished emphatically after being picked out by Havertz inside the area, converting Arsenal’s dominance into a more comfortable advantage.

From that point, the contest lost its edge.

Sunderland’s resistance softened as Arsenal managed the game intelligently, limiting transitions and denying space.

Gyökeres added the third in stoppage time.

Gabriel Martinelli broke clear on the counter and squared unselfishly, allowing the forward to tap into an empty net and complete a convincing scoreline.

The result further strengthens Arsenal’s position at the summit.

With rivals dropping points and others yet to play, the pressure continues to shift away from north London.

It was also another demonstration of Arsenal’s reliability at home.

Even without injured figures such as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, they maintained structure, discipline and control throughout.

This was a reminder for Sunderland, of the gap that still exists.

Their organisation and effort were evident, but attacking threat was limited and moments of vulnerability were punished.

It was another hurdle cleared for the Gunners.

Not spectacular, not chaotic, but efficient and decisive in a title run-in where such wins matter most.

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