Gyökeres double keeps Arsenal on title track

Arsenal moved nine points clear at the top of the table with a comfortable win over Sunderland, an outcome that felt uneventful in the best possible way. Mikel Arteta said the visitors were “really tough opponents, really good at what they do,” and added he was “delighted with the performance.” The match embodied much of Arteta’s football: bitty and stop-start, built around set plays and lacking spontaneity, yet most of the meaningful action occurred in or around Sunderland’s box.

A first-half goal followed a rare slip from Omar Alderete, who was caught by Noni Madueke; Leandro Trossard worked the ball to Martín Zubimendi, whose shot curled in off the inside of the post. Arsenal’s second arrived after Nordi Mukiele lost possession, Trossard set up Kai Havertz and the substitute Viktor Gyökeres diverted the finish.

The third came when Reinildo misjudged a ball on halfway, allowing Gabriel Martinelli to run in and Gyökeres to score again. Regis Le Bris summed it up: “We lost two balls and conceded two goals...