Sunderland earned a point against Arsenal when the two teams met in November, but on matchday 25, the Gunners proved to be too strong.
A Martin Zubimendi goal and a Viktor Gyokeres brace earned Arsenal a vital three points at the Emirates.
Sunderland caused Arsenal problems in the first half, but once the Gunners got a grip on the game, it was a matter of how many.
Gyokeres caused the damage from the bench with two goals to take his tally to 13 in all competitions, on what was a statement day for Mikel Arteta’s side.
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Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris shares Arsenal verdict
Arsenal entered Invincibles territory against Sunderland by registering their biggest lead at the top of the table since the 2003/04 season.
It’s all very exciting in N5 right now, as Arteta’s team are becoming increasingly difficult to stop.
That’s what Regis Le Bris experienced when his squad visited the Emirates, as he made clear when he spoke to the media post-match.
As per Sunderland’s official website, Le Bris twice mentioned one word to describe the Gunners: relentless.
“The score is the score. Arsenal were relentless and showed their ability to seize the opportunities we gave them,” he said, before adding:
“They are relentless, they are top of the league and top of the Champions League, so we know we played a very good team.”
It was a professional review from the opposition boss, who knew his team had been well beaten at the Emirates.
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There was absolute respect from the Sunderland boss at full-time, and there was more shown from the Black Cats on the pitch after the final whistle.
Granit Xhaka returned to the Emirates, but not in the way he might’ve wanted, as he was ruled out of the fixture due to injury.
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That didn’t, however, stop the former Gunner from going onto the pitch, as at full-time he was seen embracing Arteta.
Amid the cries of ‘we are top of the league’ from the Arsenal fans, it was a heartwarming moment between the player and his former manager.
Arsenal march on towards the Premier League title, and Sunderland have a European fight on their agenda, in what has been a top return to the top flight for Le Bris’ team.
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