Martin Zubimendi celebrates scoring against Sunderland.placeholder image
Martin Zubimendi celebrates scoring against Sunderland. | AFP via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta saw his Arsenal side pick up a 17th win of the campaign against a Sunderland outfit who have upset some big guns this season.
Arsenal increased their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points with a convincing 3-0 win over a tricky Sunderland side at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Regis Le Bris’ men stood strong in the face of intense Gunners pressure early doors with the hosts only finding the breakthrough thanks to an opportune Martin Zubimendi strike from the edge of the box, the shot hitting the back of the net via the post.
Sunderland never truly looked like finding their way past David Raya and any doubts were put to bed when substitute Viktor Gyokeres fired home in the 66th minute. The Swede then found his second after Gabriel Martinelli burst past the Wearside defence in injury time, poking home into an open goal. Here’s how the Arsenal players rated.
Arsenal Player Ratings v Man Utd
GK: David Raya, 6
Another clean sheet for the shot-stopper but some hairy moments this afternoon. Flapped at a couple of balls in his box in the first half and made a crazy decision to try and rush out and volley a ball on the edge of his box after the break, thankfully Gabriel was there to save his bacon. Did set Arsenal off on the counter brilliantly at times, spotting space on the left wing.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori, 7
The full-back found himself very advanced in times, finding space to cut in centrally with ease. Could’ve perhaps looked to work a little better with Leandro Trossard on the flank to help find some width for Arsenal.
CB: William Saliba, 7
Never looked fully on top of the threat posed by Habib Diarra, who flicked the ball over the top of Saliba in the first half and forced a foul that saw the Frenchman booked.
CB: Gabriel, 8
Made the crucial intervention to recover from the David Raya moment of madness in the second half. His usual self as he marshalled defence. Looked to be really enjoying the battle out there today.
RB: Jurrien Timber, 7
A decent outing for the Dutchman. Didn’t pose a huge threat in attacking moves but didn’t look likely to be beaten on his flank either.
CM: Martin Zubimendi, 8
Neat and diligent in his work, as always. Had a couple of chances to shoot at the edge of the box in the first half, with the Emirates Stadium calling upon him to do, but circulated the ball instead. Finally tried his luck and for the first goal with a well-hit strike that cannoned in off the post.
CM: Declan Rice, 9
It’s in these types of matches when the England international comes into his own. Sunderland put up an organised defence that was tough to break down but Rice constantly looked to keep the ball moving. Almost scored with a cracker of a strike from distance in the first half and it was his commitment to pressing that forced the Sunderland mistake before the second goal. A titan in the centre of the park.
Kai Havertz causes problems for the Sunderland defence
CM: Kai Havertz, 8
Given plenty of freedom to roam in that role, which was just as much a centre-forward as it was a centre-midfielder. Havertz offers a lot, with some important defensive interventions, as well as causing a headache for the Sunderland defence with his movement. Constantly hard to track, as evidenced by his popping up from nowhere to assist Gyokeres.
LW: Leandro Trossard, 8
Had a hand to play in both Arsenal goals today, laying a nicely weighted ball off to Zubimendi and spotting Havertz in space prior to the second. Caught a couple of sweet volleys on the edge of the box in the first half but saw the strikes blocked by the Sunderland defence.
ST: Gabriel Jesus, 8
Showed plenty of hustle and bustle, his shorts covered in mud by the half-time whistle thanks to his battles. Thought he had won a penalty on the stroke of half-time but the game was brought back for an offside. The Brazilian certainly offers a tenacity that Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz do not.
RW: Noni Madueke, 7
Looked capable of beating the Sunderland defender in the first half with his jinking runs but the Gunners struggled for threat out wide. Put a delicious cross in after 22 minutes, which forced a Black Cats defender into a risky clearance, but needed more of that quality of delivery.
SUBS: Gabriel Martinelli (8), Viktor Gyokeres (9), Piero Hincapie (8), Eberechi Eze (8), Christian Norgaard (N/A).
In other news, Arsenal handed early North London derby boost in moment of Tottenham 'madness'.
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