7M - Arsenal Deliver Commanding Performance to Overcome Sunderland

Arsenal reinforced their Premier League leadership with a decisive 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The Gunners, sitting at the summit of the table, continued their strong run of form against a resilient Sunderland side that arrived in North London with European aspirations.

The home side entered the match in prime form, having accumulated 53 points from 24 games (16 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses). Fresh from securing a place in the Carabao Cup final with a last-gasp 1-0 win against Chelsea and a 4-0 league victory over Leeds United, confidence was high within Mikel Arteta's squad. Sunderland, under manager Regis Le Bris, occupied eighth position, just four points off the top four, following a mixed record of nine wins, nine draws, and six defeats.

The match, which kicked off at 3 p.m. GMT, was subject to the UK's domestic broadcast blackout. International viewers could watch via Peacock Premium (USA), Fubo (Canada), and Stan Sport (Australia), while Arsenal's official website provided live audio commentary.

Arsenal's starting lineup featured David Raya in goal; defenders Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Riccardo Calafiori; a midfield of Kai Havertz, Martín Zubimendi, and Declan Rice; with Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard in attack. Key absentees included the injured Mikel Merino (foot) and Max Dowman (ankle), while Bukayo Saka (hip) and Martin Ødegaard (knock) were also unavailable. Sunderland started with Robin Roefs; defenders Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, Omar Alderete, and Reinildo Mandava; midfielders Enzo Le Fée, Habib Diarra, Youssef Sadiki, and Montassar Talbi; and striker Brian Brobbey. They missed Jocelin Ta Bi, Granit Xhaka, and Bertrand Traoré due to injury.

Historical precedent favored Arsenal, who had won 11 of the last 18 meetings, with Sunderland managing only one win and six draws. The most recent clash in November 2025 ended 2-2.

Arsenal dictated play from the outset, controlling possession and applying consistent pressure. The opening goal came in the 27th minute. Summer signing Martín Zubimendi, set up by Leandro Trossard, fired a powerful right-footed effort from distance that beat goalkeeper Roefs, sending the home supporters into celebration.

Sunderland attempted to mount a response, with Brobbey and Diarra posing occasional threats, but Arsenal's defensive duo of Saliba and Gabriel remained organized. Goalkeeper Raya made important saves to preserve the lead as the first half concluded.

The Gunners increased their advantage in the second period. Substitute Viktor Gyökeres, who replaced Gabriel Jesus, made an instant impact. In the 68th minute, Kai Havertz provided the assist, and Gyökeres finished calmly with a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner.

Both teams utilized their benches. Arsenal saw Leandro Trossard leave due to injury, replaced by Christian Nørgaard, with Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapié also entering play. Sunderland introduced Nilson Angulo, Wilson Isidor, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Romaine Mundle in an effort to change the game's dynamics.

Arsenal sealed the win in the closing stages. Another substitute, Gabriel Martinelli, broke forward on the counter-attack and set up Gyökeres, who completed his double with a precise left-footed finish from inside the area.

The match featured several physical challenges. Sunderland's Brian Brobbey and Habib Diarra received yellow cards, as did Arsenal's William Saliba. Injuries to Trossard, Enzo Le Fée, and Reinildo Mandava caused temporary pauses, but Arsenal managed the game effectively to maintain their clean sheet.

Match statistics reflected Arsenal's control. They created more scoring opportunities, with efforts from Eze, Rice, and Madueke testing Roefs, while Sunderland's best attempts from Mukiele and Diarra failed to hit the target.

The comprehensive result allows Arsenal to maintain their firm hold on first place in the league, keeping pursuing teams at a distance. Despite the defeat, Sunderland remains in contention for a European qualification spot, their overall campaign still offering promise.

The final whistle confirmed another powerful display from Arteta's team. With momentum firmly in their favor and multiple trophy pursuits active, Arsenal's championship challenge continues unabated. Sunderland, meanwhile, will aim to recover swiftly and revive their push for a top-five finish in the coming matches.