lArsenal tightened their grip on the Premier League title race this afternoon, dismantling Sunderland 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
The victory moves the Gunners nine points clear at the summit, thanks to a clinical breakthrough from Martin Zubimendi and a devastating second-half cameo from Viktor Gyokeres.
While the scoreline suggests total dominance, the performance was a tale of individual brilliance masking a few nervous moments at the back. Here is how the Arsenal squad fared in today’s victory.
Player Arsenal Ratings
David Raya: 6
It was a day to forget for the Spaniard. He looked uncharacteristically shaky, nearly gifting Sunderland an opener after spilling a routine free-kick at Brian Brobbey’s feet. His decision-making when rushing off his line also left much to be desired.
Jurrien Timber: 7
Despite fitness concerns earlier in the week, Timber was a physical force on the right. He dominated his duels and was statistically the team’s best tackler, though his final ball in the attacking third remains a work in progress.
William Saliba: 8
The Frenchman was imperious for the most part, handling the physical threat of Brobbey with ease. Aside from a tactical booking after being caught out by Diarra, he was the glue that held the backline together, recording an unusually high number of clearances.
Gabriel: 7
Reliable as ever, Gabriel was often the man in the right place to snuff out danger. One specific sliding challenge on Hume prevented a certain goal. While he had a few uncomfortable moments against Brobbey’s pace, he was largely solid.
Riccardo Calafiori: 5
A difficult afternoon for the Italian, who struggled with his distribution. Two major errors in possession during the first half invited unnecessary pressure from the visitors, and he offered very little going forward before being replaced.
Martin Zubimendi: 8
The summer signing continues to look like a bargain. His technique for the opening goal—a low, driven effort off the post—was world-class. He controlled the tempo and provided the defensive cover that allowed the attackers to flourish.
Declan Rice: 8
Rice was a “monster” in the middle of the park. He snuffed out Sunderland counter-attacks single-handedly and nearly added his own name to the scoresheet with a powerful long-range effort that whistled just wide.
Noni Madueke: 6
While he saw plenty of the ball, Madueke struggled to turn possession into production. He often took one touch too many, allowing the Sunderland defense to reset, and his crossing lacked the precision required to break the deadlock.
Kai Havertz: 7
Havertz played a vital role at both ends of the pitch. He made a goal-saving block to bail out David Raya in the first half and eventually provided the assist for the second goal with a perfectly weighted pass into Gyokeres.
Leandro Trossard: 8
The Belgian was Arsenal’s primary creative outlet during the first hour. He was constantly involved, creating four clear chances and seeing two goal-bound volleys blocked by a desperate Sunderland defense.
Gabriel Jesus: 6
Jesus brought fluidity to the front line with his intelligent movement, but he lacked a clinical edge. He dithered on a major first-half opportunity and was eventually flagged offside on a play where he thought he’d earned a penalty.
Substitutes
Gabriel Martinelli (on for Madueke 60’): 8
His introduction injected much-needed energy. Martinelli’s relentless pressing wore down the visitors, and his blistering pace in stoppage time allowed him to tee up Gyokeres for the final goal of the afternoon.
Viktor Gyokeres (on for Jesus 60’): 9
The definitive “Star Man.” Gyokeres needed very little time to make an impact, scoring a powerful near-post goal before showing great composure to net his second late on. His hold-up play was equally impressive.
Piero Hincapie (on for Calafiori 67’): 7
Provided the stability that Calafiori lacked. He shut down Sunderland’s wide threats immediately upon entering and looked far more comfortable on the ball under pressure.
Eberechi Eze (on for Havertz 67’): 7
A bright performance from the bench. Eze looked sharp in the pockets of space between midfield and attack, nearly scoring himself with a strike that went inches wide.
Christian Norgaard (on for Trossard 89’): N/A
Brought on in the dying minutes to see out the clean sheet; not enough time to impact the rating.