Gyokeres double fires Arsenal past Sunderland, extends title lead

Viktor Gyokeres scored twice as Arsenal comfortably beat Sunderland to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points.

The Gunners looked set to be frustrated by a well-organised Sunderland defence before Martin Zubimendi’s excellent strike beat Robin Roefs after hitting the post.

Sunderland did cause problems, with Brian Brobbey unsettling the Arsenal backline with his physicality, and the forward had a shot cleared off the line by Kai Havertz after goalkeeper David Raya fumbled a long ball into the area.

Declan Rice and Havertz went close with curling strikes before substitute Viktor Gyokeres slammed the ball into the net after being teed up by Havertz in the 66th minute.

The Swedish international then finished into an empty net in stoppage time after Gabriel Martinelli rolled the ball across the box to him.

After Aston Villa’s draw with Bournemouth and Manchester City not in action until Sunday afternoon, the victory adds more pressure on Arsenal’s title rivals.