Gyokeres Nets Brace as Arsenal Extend Lead in Premier League
Arsenal edged nearer to securing their first Premier League crown in 22 years after a convincing 3-0 victory against Sunderland, which propelled the Gunners nine points ahead at the summit of the standings.
A stunning long-distance effort from Martin Zubimendi right before the interval calmed the supporters at the Emirates Stadium, paving the way for Viktor Gyokeres to score a pair of goals and silence his detractors.
Manchester City have the chance to narrow the advantage back to six points if they manage to triumph over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, ending a drought since 2003 for a win there before fans.
Following three straight runner-up spots, it now seems inevitable that Mikel Artetas team will lift the trophy sooner rather than later.
The loss hampered Sunderlands ambitions for European qualification in their return season to the elite division.
Under Regis Le Bris, the team demonstrated their mid-table position of eighth with a resilient performance in the opening period, frustrating Arsenal fans who once more lamented the sides struggles to create chances from open play.
Yet Zubimendi unlocked the Sunderland rearguard with a sharp shot from beyond the penalty area that grazed the posts interior en route to the net, marking his sixth strike in a standout inaugural campaign in English football.
Gyokeres had faced backlash for not matching his prolific output from Sporting Lisbon in the Premier League.
The Swedish forward, however, remains Arsenals leading marksman and elevated his seasonal haul across all tournaments to 13 goals.
He sealed the result with a forceful shot from Kai Havertzs delivery, overpowering goalkeeper Robin Roefs with 25 minutes remaining.
In added time, Gabriel Martinelli set up Gyokeres for a simple tap-in into an unguarded net.
Arsenals celebrations were marred towards the end as Leandro Trossard limped off injured.
With commitments in four separate competitions, Arteta requires a fully fit squad.
Upcoming fixtures include a League Cup showdown with City next month, a home tie against Wigan in the FA Cups fourth round, and progression to the Champions League knockout stage after a perfect record of eight victories in the group phase.