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Arsenal player ratings vs Sunderland with 'outstanding' 9/10 as Viktor Gyokeres comes good

Arsenal moved nine points clear of Manchester City with a win over Sunderland before Pep Guardiola's team's daunting trip to face Liverpool at Anfield

[Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal]

Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal(Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal extended their advantage to nine points over Manchester City with an impressive 3-0 victory against a stubborn Sunderland outfit who posed significant challenges throughout.

True to form this season, Mikel Arteta's men were clinical and battled their way to three points without setting the world alight. Kai Havertz spared the Gunners' blushes early doors when David Raya fumbled a high cross straight to Brian Brobbey, with the German blocking the striker's effort.

The initial spark dimmed before Martin Zubimendi breathed life back into proceedings with a thunderous strike from distance. Viktor Gyokeres then seized control for Arsenal, capitalising on brilliant build-up play from Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz before taking a touch and rifling the ball beyond Robin Roefs, reports Football London. The Swedish striker bagged his brace after substitute Gabriel Martinelli left Sunderland's frantic defence trailing in his wake. Here's t6he player ratings from the Emirates.

[1_Arsenal-v-Sunderland-Premier-League.jpg]

(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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Arsenal First XI

David Raya Required bailing out following an early howler when he spilled a Sunderland delivery into danger. Responded well to deny Talbi's curling attempt with a decent save.

Committed another blunder attempting to clear a bouncing ball, fortunate that Gabriel was on hand to cover. The clean sheet probably prevented a harsher assessment. 5.

Jurrien Timber Battled tirelessly down the right flank, still finding his rhythm with Madueke in Bukayo Saka's absence, though the understanding is developing. 7.

William Saliba Picked up a yellow card within the opening 26 minutes after Diarra cleverly worked the ball around the Frenchman, only to be brought down. Handled the precarious situation admirably, ultimately contributing to preserving the clean sheet. 8.

[David Raya of Arsenal and Daniel Ballard of Sunderland jump for the ball ]

David Raya wasn't his usual secure self(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Gabriel Delivered some crucial headed clearances before producing a superb sliding tackle in the penalty area following another Raya mistake. Rising to the occasion in crucial moments yet again. 8.

Riccardo Calafiori Committed a dreadful mistake just before the interval, converting a promising attack into a disastrous back-pass. Subsequently attempted a woeful clearance that sliced dangerously across his own defensive line. Extremely sluggish display from the Italian and hardly shocking to witness his substitution. 4.

Martin Zubimendi A match crying out for inspiration was ignited by a magnificent effort from distance, firing a low drive against the upright and beyond Roefs, completely unstoppable. Also executed a superb interception inside the area to deny Sunderland a one-on-one opportunity in another outstanding showing and consecutive league strikes. 9.

Declan Rice Enjoyed an opportunity from range, unmarked, bending an effort mere inches past the far right upright from the left flank. Dominated the midfield throughout and his relentless energy provided the Gunners with momentum and forward movement all evening. 8.

[Martin Zubimendi's fine opening goal]

Martin Zubimendi's fine opening goal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Kai Havertz Experienced a busy start, watching a header drift narrowly wide before preventing a Brian Brobbey effort from finding an unguarded net. Witnessed a long-distance strike, similar to Rice's earlier attempt, bend just over the top left angle.

Delivered the pass inside to Gyokeres in the middle for the Gunners' second goal of the afternoon. 8.

Noni Madueke Almost forced an own goal with a cross from the right, which Hume sliced over the bar. Unfortunately couldn't find the crucial pass or run and departed the game having largely failed to create much threat. 6.

Gabriel Jesus Believed he'd earned a penalty but couldn't stay onside after a brilliant through ball put him one on one. Changed position frequently throughout the first half but struggled to make an impact. 6.

Leandro Trossard Claimed the assists after some promising early moments from the Belgian, picking out the unmarked Zubimendi on the edge of the box. Also delivered the ball in the box to Havertz for the second goal too. 8.

Substitutes:

[Viktor Gyokeres celebrates]

Viktor Gyokeres made it 2-0 shortly after coming off the bench(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Gabriel Martinelli Simply provides so much when the match opens up, the runs in behind are especially dangerous. He might soon challenge Madueke for a starting spot on the right-hand side. His run and pass to Gyokeres at the end the prime example. 7.

Viktor Gyokeres Within moments, the Swede had netted, discovered by Havertz and then hammering home while losing his balance, beating Roefs superbly. Added a second after it was served up for him by Martinelli. 8.

Eberechi Eze Strike from inside the box using his left foot after being picked out by Rice, pulled slightly and curling away from goal. 6.

Piero Hincapie A reliable pair of hands at the moment which is what you require when the man you're replacing appeared somewhat uncertain. 6.

Christian Norgaard - Came on for Trossard in the closing stages. N/A

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