Arsenal fans left the Emirates Stadium on February 7, 2026, with wide grins and a sense of growing optimism after watching their side dispatch Sunderland 3-0 in a pivotal Premier League clash. With the win, Arsenal not only extended their unbeaten run against the Black Cats to a remarkable 14 matches in all competitions, but also opened up a commanding nine-point cushion at the summit of the league table—at least until Manchester City’s next fixture against Liverpool.
Heading into the match, Arsenal were riding high after a hard-fought 1-0 League Cup victory over Chelsea, and their league form had been nothing short of impressive: three wins, two draws, and just one defeat in their last six outings. More significantly, the Gunners had remained undefeated in 19 of their previous 21 Premier League matches, a statistic that underlined their consistency and resilience under Mikel Arteta.
Sunderland, meanwhile, arrived in North London sitting eighth in the table, buoyed by a convincing 3-0 home win over Burnley in their last league match. However, their recent form had been patchy, with two wins, two draws, and two losses in their last six games across all competitions. The Black Cats’ tendency for open, high-scoring encounters—each of their previous four league matches had seen over 2.5 goals—suggested that this fixture could offer plenty of attacking action.
Team news ahead of kickoff confirmed that Arsenal would be without some key figures. Bukayo Saka, a mainstay on the right flank with four goals in 21 league games this season, remained sidelined after suffering a hip injury during warm-ups before the Leeds match. Manager Mikel Arteta provided a cautiously optimistic update in his pre-game press conference: "His hip is getting much better. Hopefully very soon he will be with us; very soon." Martin Ødegaard, too, had missed out against Chelsea with a minor issue but was expected to return soon. Arteta echoed this sentiment, saying, "Martin again is getting better, it will be a matter of days we believe." In Saka’s absence, Noni Madueke retained his spot on the right wing, while Riccardo Calafiori was handed his first Premier League start since before Christmas. Mikel Merino, however, was facing a lengthy spell out after foot surgery.
Sunderland’s lineup was similarly impacted by injuries. Former Gunner Granit Xhaka missed the chance to face his old club due to a hamstring issue, and the Black Cats were also without Alese, Bi, and Traoré. Despite these absences, Sunderland’s manager kept faith with the same starting XI that had dismantled Burnley, hoping to spring a surprise at the Emirates.
The match began with Arsenal asserting control, dominating possession and pinning Sunderland back in their own half. The Gunners’ attacking intent was clear from the outset, with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi both testing Sunderland’s keeper Robin Roefs from range. The breakthrough finally arrived just before halftime. Zubimendi, fresh off a goal against Leeds, found himself with space outside the area and unleashed a precise strike that beat Roefs, ricocheting in off both posts. The Spaniard’s goal was a testament to Arsenal’s ability to capitalize on set pieces and exploit gaps in the opposition’s midfield.
As the teams emerged for the second half, Arsenal’s nerves were briefly evident, but any lingering doubts were soon dispelled by the introduction of Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker, who has been steadily improving in front of goal, made an immediate impact after coming off the bench. With one of his first touches, Gyokeres doubled Arsenal’s advantage, finishing off a sweeping move that left Sunderland’s defenders scrambling.
From there, the Gunners managed the game with maturity, controlling the tempo and denying Sunderland any real foothold. Sunderland, for their part, showed flashes of the resilience that had helped them come back from losing positions earlier in the season, but their struggles with keeping possession and defending against wide attacks were glaring. Arsenal’s full-backs, particularly Calafiori and Timber, continually stretched the visitors, while Madueke and Trossard threatened down the flanks.
The Black Cats did make a double switch in the 85th minute, introducing Isidor and handing a debut to Angulo, their deadline-day signing. However, the changes did little to alter the course of the match. Arsenal, sensing blood, pressed for a third goal to cap off a dominant display. The moment arrived deep into stoppage time. Gabriel Martinelli, showing unselfishness and vision, squared the ball for Gyokeres, who tapped in his second of the afternoon to seal a 3-0 victory. The Emirates erupted as Arsenal’s bench and supporters celebrated another crucial three points in their title quest.
There was a brief scare late on when Leandro Trossard required treatment and was replaced by Norgaard in the 88th minute, but Arteta’s decision to avoid risks with his key players was vindicated by the comfortable scoreline.
For Sunderland, the defeat was a reality check. Despite their recent attacking flair, they struggled to create clear chances against an Arsenal side that has made the Emirates a fortress—scoring at least twice in each of their last five home matches against the Black Cats. Sunderland’s defensive frailties, particularly against attacks down the wings, were ruthlessly exposed.
Arsenal’s victory extended their unbeaten streak against Sunderland to 14 matches and marked their fifth consecutive home game against the Black Cats with at least two goals scored. The result also meant that, with Manchester City not in action until Sunday, the Gunners moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League. Aston Villa, who played out a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth earlier in the day, also sit nine points adrift of the league leaders.
Looking ahead, Arsenal’s title credentials appear stronger than ever. Their ability to navigate injury setbacks, maintain defensive solidity, and find goals from multiple sources has set them apart in a fiercely competitive campaign. As Arteta’s men await the return of Saka and Ødegaard—both expected to play key roles in their respective national teams at the upcoming World Cup—confidence is high that this could be a season to remember for the red half of North London.
For Sunderland, the challenge will be to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities as they aim to consolidate their top-half status. The debut of Angulo offers hope for added attacking impetus, but the Black Cats will need greater cohesion and discipline if they are to threaten the league’s elite.
As the dust settles on another lively Premier League weekend, Arsenal’s fans can savor a well-earned victory and dream of greater glories to come. With momentum firmly on their side and rivals playing catch-up, the Gunners have sent a clear message: the title race is very much in their hands.