Double delight for Viktor Gyokeres as Arsenal take step towards title

Viktor Gyokeres scored a second-half brace as Arsenal piled the pressure on rivals Manchester City with a statement 3-0 win over Sunderland to move nine points clear in the Premier League title race.

Martin Zubimendi fired Mikel Arteta’s side on their way with a brilliant long-range opener just three minutes before half-time at the Emirates Stadium.

Gyokeres doubled the hosts’ advantage six minutes after he was introduced as a substitute on the hour mark. He then added a breakaway third for Arsenal deep into stoppage time.

Pep Guardiola’s City are now tasked with pegging Arsenal’s advantage back to six on the eve of their daunting trip to face champions Liverpool at Anfield, while Aston Villa are nine points off the championship pace following their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.

Arsenal’s latest victory puts them firmly in the driving seat to end their 22-year wait for a league title with just 39 points to play for across the final 13 fixtures.

Sunderland have been the league’s surprise package this season, but they were able to offer little to knock Arsenal off their stride, with Arteta’s men following up their win against Chelsea here on Tuesday, which secured their place in the final of the Carabao Cup, with another clean-sheet victory.

Kai Havertz came off the bench earlier in the week to score with the final kick of the game, but he started for the injured Martin Odegaard here and had sight of an opener after just 22 seconds, but his unmarked header was well off target.

David Raya then presented Sunderland with a chance of their own after he flapped at a long punt into the box. However, Havertz was on hand to divert Brian Brobbey’s effort clear of danger.

Trai Hume’s swiped clearance from Noni Madueke’s cross nearly