Arsenal go nine points clear, Man Utd win again under Carrick

LONDON, Feb 7 : Arsenal marched nine points clear in the Premier League title race as Viktor Gyokeres hit two in a 3-0 home defeat of Sunderland and Manchester United made it four wins out of four for caretaker manager Michael Carrick to maintain their top-four push on Saturday.

Third-placed Aston Villa dropped further behind Arsenal as they drew 1-1 with Bournemouth while Chelsea's Cole Palmer bagged a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory at bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers, including two penalties.

Eighteenth-placed West Ham United earned three vital points in their bid to avoid relegation, Crysencio Summerville and Taty Castellanos sealing a 2-0 win at second-from-bottom Burnley whose survival hopes now look remote.

Everton scored two late goals as they came from behind to win 2-1 at Fulham, the win lifting them to seventh.

The celebrations at the final whistle at The Emirates were loud and long as joyous Arsenal fans displayed their belief that a first title since 2004 is now in sight.

Sunderland proved a tough nut to crack but Arsenal remained patient and were rewarded with a fourth successive victory in all competitions.

Arsenal dominated the first half but had to wait until the 42nd minute to get ahead when Martin Zubimendi's sweetly-struck low drive crept inside the post.

Gyokeres has struggled at times during his first season in north London since his move from Sporting, but he swept in a clinical finish in the 66th minute to make it 2-0.

Gabriel Martinelli then played in the Swede for his second deep into stoppage time.

No Premier League player has scored more goals across all competitions since the turn of the year than Gyokeres (six) and Arteta praised the Swedish striker's resilience.

"He doesn't seem too affected by the