Arsenal did what leaders are supposed to do, take care of business without fuss, and the Emirates Stadium crowd barely had time to worry before the evening settled into a familiar rhythm.
A controlled 3-0 win over Sunderland extended the Gunners’ advantage at the Premier League summit and, with rivals still to play, the table suddenly has a generous splash of north London red at the top.
There was nothing flashy about the opening stages, but there was authority, composure and an understanding of when to accelerate. Arsenal moved the ball with purpose, Sunderland chased shadows for long spells, and the sense that this would tilt one way never really went away.
Arsenal control tempo and territory
The breakthrough arrived just before half time, and it felt inevitable rather than dramatic. Martin Zubimendi, already growing into his role at an alarming rate, was allowed the sort of space Premier League midfields should know better than to offer. His strike from outside the box was clean, precise and kissed both posts on its way past Robin Roefs. It was the kind of goal that speaks to structure, not chaos.
Declan Rice had flirted with something similar earlier, and that pairing increasingly looks like the heartbeat of this Arsenal side. Sunderland’s defensive shape was respectable, but it lacked the aggression to disrupt the rhythm once Arsenal settled.
Sunderland resistance fades after break
Arsenal started the second half with a hint of nerves, a reminder that control does not guarantee comfort. Sunderland enjoyed their best spell, pressing a little higher and asking a few awkward questions. It did not last.
Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench and made the sort of impact substitutes dream of. One touch, one finish, game done. In stoppage time he added another, sharper and more ruthless, underlining a run of form that suggests confidence is now doing the heavy lifting.
For Sunderland, there were moments of honesty and effort, Brian Brobbey led the line well, Reinildo Mandava battled tirelessly, but the gap in quality was clear and unforgiving.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya 7
Jurrien Timber 7
William Saliba 6
Gabriel 7
Riccardo Calafiori 6
Martin Zubimendi 8
Declan Rice 7
Kai Havertz 8
Noni Madueke 6
Leandro Trossard 7
Gabriel Jesus 6