Gyokeres propels Arsenal to nine point lead while Man Utd increases pressure on Frank

Arsenal extended their lead at the summit of the Premier League by nine points following a convincing 3-0 triumph over Sunderland, meanwhile Tottenham manager Thomas Frank encountered growing demands for his dismissal after suffering a 2-0 loss to Manchester United on Saturday.

Mikel Artetas team took the lead in the 42nd minute at the Emirates Stadium when Martin Zubimendi slotted the ball past Sunderland custodian Robin Roefs at the near post.

Viktor Gyokeres secured Arsenals back to back league victories with a goal in the 66th minute, and the Swedish forward added another in added time.

The Gunners, last lifting a trophy in the 2020 FA Cup, are pursuing their first English league crown in 22 years.

Following three consecutive second place finishes in the Premier League, which included squandering substantial advantages in 2023 and 2024, the north London club now appears poised to finally claim the title.

Arsenal also overcame Chelsea during the week to secure a spot in the League Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley on March 22.

Manchester City in second position face the task of narrowing the deficit by defeating Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Aston Villa in third are likewise nine points behind Arsenal after drawing 1-1 with Bournemouth.

Villa went ahead when Morgan Rogers rifled the ball into the upper corner in the 22nd minute.

However, the young Brazilian Rayan levelled for Bournemouth with his debut Premier League goal in the 55th minute.

Manchester United capitalised on Tottenham skipper Cristian Romero receiving a red card to maintain their flawless record under Michael Carrick across four matches, intensifying the pressure on the struggling Frank.

At the 29th minute mark with the score level, Romero, who has recently voiced strong opinions against Tottenhams ownership, was sent off for a reckless challenge that caught Casemiro on the ankle.

Bryan Mbeumo put United in front via a smart corner play in the 38th minute.

Bruno Fernandes sealed the win with a tap in during the 81st minute, halting Uniteds eight match drought against Tottenham and solidifying their fourth place standing in the Champions League qualification race.

We must address this

This latest setback for Frank saw Tottenham drop to 14th in the table, only six points clear of relegation trouble, as their league winless streak in 2026 reached seven outings.

"Thats the situation. We must address this," stated Frank.

"Cristian was clearly aiming for the ball. Regrettably under the current rules it resulted in a red card. He expressed his regrets to the squad."

Carrick as interim manager is bolstering his bid for the full time role having orchestrated a strong recovery since Ruben Amorims exit in January.

Cole Palmer notched a hat trick in the opening half to help fifth placed Chelsea secure a 3-1 victory at rock bottom Wolves.

Dohertys foul on Joao Pedro allowed Palmer to convert from the spot in the 13th minute, deceiving Jose Sa.

Palmer repeated the feat from another penalty in the 35th minute following Mosqueras avoidable push on Joao Pedro.

The England international rounded off his treble just three minutes later, smashing in from Marc Cucurellas delivery amid poor defending from Wolves.

Toluwalase Arokodare pulled one back for Wolves in the 54th minute, yet Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior joins Craig Shakespeare of Leicester as the second English boss to win his initial four Premier League fixtures.

West Ham boosted their survival prospects and edged Burnley nearer to relegation with a 2-0 success at Turf Moor.

The Hammers opened the scoring via Crysencio Summerville in the 13th minute, followed by Valentin Castellanos adding the second in the 26th minute.

Nuno Espirito Santas team in third from bottom trails fourth from bottom Nottingham Forest by three points, whereas second bottom Burnley sit 11 points from safety after 16 winless games.

Everton claimed a 2-1 win at Fulham highlighted by an absurd own goal from Cottagers goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Vitaliy Mykolenkos unfortunate 18th minute own goal for Everton was neutralised by Kiernan Dewsbury Halls 75th minute leveller.

In the 83rd minute, Leno inadvertently punched an Everton corner into his own goal while under duress from Jake OBrien.