Viktor Gyokeres hailed Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Sunderland as “a good result” after coming off the bench to score twice and underline his growing influence in the title push.
Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench to score twice and seal Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium. The Swedish striker struck in the 66th and 90+3rd minutes, adding to Martin Zubimendi’s first-half opener, as Arsenal opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League ahead of Manchester City’s trip to Anfield.
The scoreline ultimately looked comfortable, but Sunderland forced Arsenal into long spells of disciplined defending before Gyokeres tilted the contest decisively. Zubimendi’s low drive just before the interval settled some early nerves, yet it was only after Gyokeres’ introduction that Arsenal fully asserted themselves in attack. The substitute first converted from close range midway through the second half and then finished a counterattack in stoppage time, underlining Arsenal’s depth in attacking options.
Reflecting on the contest, Gyokeres spoke to Sky Sports after the final whistle, highlighting Sunderland’s threat and Arsenal’s defensive organisation: “I think they are a very good side. They are very strong and good in the air, so it was always going to be a battle. They created some okay chances, but overall we defended really well, and when we scored the three goals, it was a good result.”
Gyokeres also referenced the reverse fixture earlier in the season, when Sunderland capitalised on Arsenal’s errors. “I wasn’t involved, so I didn’t get the feeling of how it was. They were very effective with their chances, and we may not have defended well in crucial moments. But we did today,” he added, again speaking to Sky Sports.
From Arsenal’s perspective, there was encouragement not only in the scoreline but in the way the side managed the game after taking the lead. Sunderland created several half chances before Zubimendi’s long-range strike in the 42nd minute shifted the momentum, and Arsenal needed a save from David Raya to preserve their advantage early in the second half, yet there was a sense of control as the match wore on.
The brace continues an impressive run for Viktor Gyokeres, whose double against Sunderland took his tally to four goals in his last four league games and six in his last eight appearances, form that prompted manager Mikel Arteta to describe him as operating at his “highest level”. The win was significant for Arsenal, opening up a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League as title rivals Aston Villa drew, and Manchester City had yet to play. It marked the type of controlled, professional home performance that could prove crucial as Arsenal aim to secure the championship in the decisive phase of the season.