Martin Zubimendi wasn’t brought to Arsenal for his goal-scoring prowess, yet the stunning strike he delivered against Sunderland could find its place in Arsenal’s cherished memories. The goal, a masterful shot that skimmed across the pitch and found its mark off the post’s base, was nothing short of spectacular.
Executed with precision, Zubimendi’s shot had a touch of finesse, thanks to the slight curve imparted by the outside of his right foot. However, its true brilliance lay in its timing. It arrived in the nick of time, easing the palpable tension at the Emirates Stadium as the first half wound down amidst a scrappy contest against determined opponents.
On the other hand, Viktor Gyokeres, who was signed with the expectation of goals, faced criticism for not delivering enough. Yet, his recent performance, netting two goals from the bench, helped seal the victory over Sunderland. This result not only provided a comfortable margin but also extended Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to an impressive nine points.
The Swedish forward, acquired for £64 million from Sporting Lisbon, now boasts 13 goals this season, with six coming in his last eight outings. His resurgence in form couldn’t come at a better time for Mikel Arteta, as everything seems to be aligning perfectly in Arsenal’s pursuit of their first league title in 22 years.
Arsenal’s defense is robust once more, with fit and formidable center halves. The strikers are finding the back of the net, and the high-profile summer acquisitions are delivering crucial performances. The depth of the squad offers a wealth of options, allowing Arteta to make strategic adjustments without losing potency.
Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring for Arsenal with a drilled finish that bounced off the post
Victor Gyokeres grabbed Arsenal’s second as the Gunners cruised to victory over Sunderland
Things might be dropping into place for Mikel Arteta in his pursuit of the Premier League title
This match was yet another obstacle overcome, against a well-organized but unadventurous opponent. Arsenal’s three goals from open play, coupled with a clean sheet, marked a successful day, especially as Aston Villa dropped two points at Bournemouth, further solidifying Arsenal’s commanding position.
Arsenal have responded to the defeat against Manchester United with four wins in a row. They have scored 16 in six games since a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest. They have ridden the midwinter wobble.
One leading bookmaker never slow to spot a publicity opportunity promised to pay out on bets for Arsenal as champions before the Emirates had emptied.
The heat is on Manchester City at Liverpool even if nobody is getting carried away in N5. ‘We still have to win so many games to achieve what we want, there is no focus on that,’ said Arteta, but the Arsenal boss was content.
It was a mature performance by his team. Sunderland sat deep, well-organised and industrious as ever. Brian Brobbey and Habib Diarra made life uncomfortable for William Saliba and Gabriel on the break and the visitors were dangerous at set pieces.
Kai Havertz, preferred to Eberechi Eze in the absence of Martin Odegaard, glanced a free header wide inside the first minute and with it missed the chance to seize the initiative before the game descended into a disjointed pattern.
Arsenal dominated but rarely penetrated. Declan Rice whistled one just wide from distance before Zubimendi’s goal from a pass by Leandro Trossard gave them an element of comfort just before half time. The relief and release of pressure was clear.
Within seconds Gabriel Jesus sped clear and thought he had won a penalty when bundled over by Dan Ballard as he shimmied around keeper Robin Roefs but as referee Sam Barrott pointed to the spot a flag was raised for offside. Replays showed Jesus had both feet inside is own half as he set off, but the VAR technology ruled his lean of anticipation had taken the top half of his body into an offside position.
Gyokeres added a third in injury time to cement Arsenal’s dominant win on Saturday afternoon
Regis Le Bris’s Sunderland side sat deep but Arsenal broke them down and managed the game
Havertz also went close to a second, bursting clear and curling a left footer narrowly wide of the far post from the edge of the penalty area.
More VAR confusion brought the first half to a close when Sunderland claimed a foul on Ballard at a corner. The incident was checked and not given, which was just as well because most of the Arsenal team had disappeared down the tunnel.
Once ahead, Arsenal managed the game well. There was a scare when David Raya saved early in the second half from Enzo Le Fee, but Arteta’s team looked solid and eased further clear soon after two changes on the hour.
Gyokeres and Martinelli came on and were both influential as the game became stretched and more space appeared. Gyokeres claimed his first with a fierce finish at the end of a move featuring a crisp pass through the defensive lines by Trossard and a square ball from Havertz.
Martinelli created Arsenal’s third for Gyokeres who was taken out by a late challenge as he applied the finish.
They go to Brentford next. Whisper it, but Arsenal have the look of champions.
