All eyes are on Manchester City in the title race after Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table to nine points.
Arsenal were the favourites to beat Sunderland, and the Gunners got the job done after a tough first half at the Emirates.
It took Mikel Arteta’s side a short while to feel comfortable as Sunderland made it clear that they weren’t afraid, but in the end, a first-half goal from Martin Zubimendi and a Viktor Gyokeres brace cleared the anxiety.
The result means that the North Londoners ended Saturday’s Premier League action sitting nine points clear with 13 games to go, but the performance wasn’t perfect, giving Arteta a few things to consider.
On another memorable outing for Arsenal, here are THREE takeaways from the victory over Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland.
Who was your Arsenal Man of the Match vs Sunderland? Tell us why!
William Saliba needs a rest
It was a positive afternoon, but it was one to forget for William Saliba, whose performance was far from his usual standard.
Brian Brobbey terrorised the Frenchman, particularly in the first half, making Saliba look nervous.
Every time Brobbey was in Saliba’s vicinity, some anxiety was triggered, something that isn’t typical for Arsenal’s number two.
If anything, it signalled that, perhaps, the centre-back needs a rest, as he wasn’t recognisable before the interval.
Gabriel Jesus’ worrying triple error
Arteta utilised his squad depth against Sunderland, seeing Gyokeres start on the bench to see Gabriel Jesus make the starting XI.
The Brazilian was useful across the front line, but he made the same mistake not once, not twice, but three times.
Jesus was caught offside three times in his hour-long cameo, one of which was detrimental to the scoreline.
What do Gabriel Jesus’ THREE offsides tell you about his quality as Arsenal’s number nine?
Jesus had more offsides in an hour vs Sunderland than Gyokeres has recorded all season! 😳
Arsenal’s striker won a penalty, but he was flagged offside, which was so frustrating.
It’s clear that Jesus needs to work on his positioning and the timing of his runs, as being offside three times in the space of an hour is not a good look at all.
Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres are the real deal
One of Arsenal’s striker options had a bad day at the office, but two others didn’t.
Gyokeres and Kai Havertz have a brewing connection on the pitch, and showcased it once again.
The German set up his Swedish teammate to see Gyokeres score within six minutes of being on.
Havertz’s playmaking qualities have him on the same wavelength as the Gunners’ summer signing, which is something not many others in the Arsenal squad can say.
It’s an exciting time for Arsenal’s attack with Havertz and Gyokeres fusing to create sparks.
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