Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland: Player ratings as the Gunners go NINE points clear at the top

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League (for now) after a brilliant 3-0 win against Sunderland.

Kai Havertz almost made it the perfect start inside the first minute as he met a fine cross by Leandro Trossard from the byline but, unfortunately, the German international could only steer his header past the far post.

Then, the visitors nearly scored (and should have done) soon after. David Raya came out second best in a tussle with former Gunner Dan Ballard and the ball fell to Brian Brobbey with an open goal to put it in; thankfully, Havertz managed to clear his poor shot away.

It felt like Arsenal lost their way a bit as the half wore on, the Black Cats settling well and making life difficult for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Until Martin Zubimendi announced himself just before half time, that is. Again, Trossard did well to work the opportunity, delaying his lay off in order to draw Enzo Le Fée towards him and then teeing up Zubimendi for the first-time shot, one which struck the inside of the near post enroute to putting the home team a goal up.

Player ratings as Arsenal claim an impressive 3-0 Premier League win against Sunderland

Sunderland cranked up the pressure after that, Le Fée and Brobbey proving real handfuls while their teammate Chemsdine Talbi tested Raya from outside the box. It felt as though the visitors would get the next goal.

But the leaders doubled their tally instead. Nice interchange on the left flank eventually led to a pass to Havertz and he laid it off to substitute Viktor Gyokeres, whose strike simply had too much power for Robin Roefs to handle.  

That goal took the sting out of Sunderland but their miserable trip would not be complete until deep into added time when Gabriel Martinelli raced through before laying it off to Gyokeres for his second of the game.

3-0, job done and Arsenal move nine points clear; here are the player ratings from the Gunners’ fine home win.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK): 4 – His poorest match since Luton back in December 2023. Raya had his first nervy moment early on when Ballard bested him in the air, then he failed to deal with a long ball over the top as Sunderland pushed for an equaliser. Earned a small piece of redemption with a good stop to deny Chemsdine Talbi.

Jurrien Timber (RB): 6 – A quiet performance from Timber here. He had scant rearguard work to do for large spells, instead being more active in the opposition half as Arsenal tried to pile on pressure. He keeps the ball so well, which is a big plus, but could reach greater heights if only he posed more of a threat in the final third.

William Saliba (CB): 6 – Stood up well to the Brobbey challenge and was the most heavily involved home player in a defensive sense. He threatened to get undone by the physicality of Brobbey on a few occasions but he ultimately managed it fine and was the first to get his head onto a couple of Sunderland crosses into the box.

Gabriel (CB): 6 – Gabriel went under the radar here but had one particular standout moment as the visitors pushed for a leveller after half time, doing brilliantly to take the ball off Trai Hume in the box and stop a certain goal. Not much to report otherwise.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB): 3 – It was nice to see Calafiori back in the team after an injury absence but, on this evidence, he badly lacks that matchday sharpness. He committed some silly fouls and was guilty of two awful giveaways which almost let Sunderland back into the game; maybe fans can give him a pass given his rustiness.

Midfielders

Declan Rice (CM): 8 – Another brilliant effort from Rice. He became the commander-in-chief of the Gunners’ offensive play, often being first to reach a loose ball and recycle possession or else terrify Roefs with a wicked set-piece delivery. A timely interception to stop Le Fée from getting away on the break was arguably his best moment.  

Martin Zubimendi (CM): 8 – Zubimendi was as tidy as ever in midfield, while his powerful shot before the half-time break was more than worthy of putting Arsenal ahead. One of many Gunners to make a key interception during the Sunderland onslaught too.

Kai Havertz (CM): 6 – Could have put Arsenal ahead inside a minute but saved his best moment for a goal-line clearance from Brian Brobbey a few minutes later. Also claimed an assist for Gyokeres’ first goal, while his ability to compete in the air was of great value as Arsenal looked to win duels in the opposition half – no one does it quite like him.

Forwards

Noni Madueke (RW): 5 – He has all the tricks and flicks to be a top player but, again, Madueke largely frustrated with his decision-making and end product. Most of the time, he failed to carve out a good crossing opportunity while, on other occasions, his ball sailed harmlessly into the arms of the visiting goalkeeper.

Gabriel Jesus (ST): 6 – Intelligent play from Jesus throughout the game, from using his body to shield teammates on the ball to clever movement that worked a yard against a well-drilled Sunderland unit. It led to little success on the day but, at the very least, it is great to see him looking so sharp after his injury troubles.

Leandro Trossard (LW): 7 – As usual, Trossard was a safe pair of hands up front. He kept the ball well when receiving it and always looked the most likely to make something happen, a target he achieved with his contribution in the build-up to Viktor Gyokeres’ goal. That sort of consistency is invaluable in a title-chasing team; Arteta is lucky to have him.

Substitutes

Gabriel Martinelli (on 60’ for Madueke) – 8/10

Viktor Gyokeres (on 60’ for Jesus) – 8/10

Piero Hincapié (on 67’ for Calafiori) – 5/10

Eberechi Eze (on 67’ for Havertz) – 5/10

Christian Norgaard (on 89’ for Trossard) – N/A

Player of the Match: Martin Zubimendi