Gyokeres double as Arsenal outclass Sunderland to extend lead

LONDON, Feb 7 : Viktor Gyokeres struck twice as Arsenal sealed a comfortable 3-0 win over Sunderland to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League table to nine points on Saturday, turning up the pressure on Manchester City ahead of their trip to Liverpool.

After Martin Zubimendi's stunning first-half strike, Gyokeres came on as a substitute and netted twice as Arsenal's title charge gathered steam while Sunderland dropped to ninth in the standings.

"They are very strong and good in the air so it'll always be a battle. When you score three goals, it's a good result," Gyokeres told Sky Sports.

"We've shown throughout the season that a lot of players have come from the bench and had an impact. It's a very good sign and we have to keep it going."

Arsenal began on the front foot and signalled their intent in the first minute when Leandro Trossard whipped an inviting cross into the area that picked out Kai Havertz, but the German's header drifted wide of the target.

Havertz made his presence felt at the other end by producing a vital defensive intervention after David Raya spilled a cross and Brian Brobbey pounced on the loose ball, only to see his effort blocked.

ZUBIMENDI BREAKS SUNDERLAND'S RESISTANCE

Sunderland's resistance was finally broken in the 42nd minute when Martin Zubimendi pulled the trigger from outside the box and his stunning low drive crept in at the near post, beating the desperate dive of goalkeeper Robin Roefs.

Zubimendi mimicked Mikel Merino's goal celebration at the corner flag and pointed to his injured compatriot watching from the stands after being sidelined with a foot fracture.

Arsenal thought they had won a penalty when Gabriel Jesus was brought down after a counter-attack and the referee