Arsenal
Sunderland
Match Statistics
Confirmed Lineups
- 1 Raya D.
- 2 Timber J.
- 3 Saliba W.
- 4 Gabriel
- 5 Calafiori R.
- 6 Havertz K.
- 7 Zubimendi M.
- 8 Rice D.
- 9 Madueke N.
- 10 Gabriel Jesus
- 11 Trossard L.
Substitutes
Arrizabalaga K., Eze E., Gyökeres V., Hincapie P., Lewis-Skelly M., Martinelli G., Mosquera C., Norgaard C., White B.
- 1 Roefs R.
- 2 Mukiele N.
- 3 Ballard D.
- 4 Alderete O.
- 5 Mandava R.
- 6 Sadiki N.
- 7 Diarra H.
- 8 Hume T.
- 9 Le Fee E.
- 10 Talbi C.
- 11 Brobbey B.
Substitutes
Angulo N., Cirkin D., Ellborg M., Geertruida L., Isidor W., Mayenda E., Mundle R., O'Nien L., Rigg C., X
Arsenal vs Sunderland Match Commentary
Arsenal vs Sunderland Match Overview: 3-0 Premier League
Arsenal turned a tight, prickly afternoon into a statement win as they sealed an emphatic Arsenal vs Sunderland Result of 3-0 on 2026-02-07. Martin Zubimendi’s sweet first-half volley broke Sunderland’s resistance, before Viktor Gyökeres climbed off the bench to put the contest out of reach with a ruthless double — first from Kai Havertz’s square ball, then a late tap-in created by Gabriel Martinelli. The Arsenal vs Sunderland Scoreline looked comfortable by the end, but it was built on patience, control and a decisive burst of quality when the game asked for it.
First Half
Arsenal began with intent, asking early questions through wide deliveries and quick combinations, yet Sunderland’s shape held firm and their willingness to compete made it feel like a contest that could easily turn on one moment. Kai Havertz glanced a header just wide in the opening exchanges, while Noni Madueke’s direct running repeatedly dragged defenders into uncomfortable decisions.
Sunderland weren’t passive either. They threatened from set plays and second balls, and Arsenal had to be alert when Brian Brobbey’s close-range effort was blocked and when Omar Alderete tried his luck from distance. The match had an edge — tackles flew in, cards followed — and the rhythm kept breaking just as either side looked ready to accelerate.
Then Arsenal found the breakthrough. Leandro Trossard’s intelligent service teed up Zubimendi on the edge of the area, and the midfielder met it with a crisp volley that kissed the inside of the post on its way in. It was the kind of finish that changes the mood inside a stadium: one strike, one release of pressure, and suddenly Arsenal looked taller, calmer, more certain.
Key Moments
- Zubimendi volleyed Arsenal in front after Trossard’s assist, finding the post and the net in one motion.
- Gabriel Jesus went clean through but was denied by Robin Roefs, a save that briefly kept Sunderland believing.
- Habib Diarra squandered a huge chance from close range, with David Raya gratefully collecting.
- The half ended with Havertz narrowly missing from the edge of the box, hinting Arsenal had more gears to use.
Second Half
Sunderland started the second period with a flicker of threat, forcing Raya into action from a well-struck effort, and for a few minutes the game felt like it might demand a second Arsenal goal rather than offer it. Arsenal responded by tightening their passing lanes, pushing Sunderland back with sustained pressure and a steady stream of entries into the box.
Mikel Arteta’s changes proved decisive. Viktor Gyökeres arrived to lead the line, and the match immediately gained a sharper edge for the visitors to handle. After Havertz slipped a pass across the area, Gyökeres took one touch to steady himself and drilled low into the corner for 2-0 — a striker’s goal, simple in design and devastating in execution.
Sunderland kept pushing for something to show for their work, even threatening late on with a header that skimmed over. But Arsenal’s control never truly cracked. When Martinelli burst into space and squared unselfishly in added time, Gyökeres had the easiest of finishes to complete his brace and close the book. A late Roefs save from Martinelli prevented the score from growing further, yet the message had already been delivered.
Arsenal vs Sunderland Highlights were ultimately defined by that second-half swing: Arsenal absorbed a brief Sunderland surge, then struck with clinical precision to turn a one-goal game into a comfortable victory.
Arsenal vs Sunderland Stats Breakdown
The numbers underline why this became such a convincing Premier League match report for Arsenal. Despite Sunderland edging possession (49% to 51%), Arsenal owned the dangerous areas and the shot profile. The hosts posted xG of 1.50 to Sunderland’s 0.19, a gap that matches the feel of the contest once Arsenal found their rhythm.
Arsenal finished with 16 total shots to Sunderland’s 5, and crucially generated far more presence in the penalty area (10 shots inside the box and 34 touches in the opposition box). Sunderland had moments, but they were isolated; Arsenal’s pressure was sustained. In Arsenal vs Sunderland Stats terms, the expected assists also leaned heavily towards the home side (0.84 to 0.20), reflecting the quality of Arsenal’s final passes and cut-backs.
If you want the simplest Arsenal vs Sunderland Analysis, it’s this: Sunderland competed, but Arsenal created the clearer chances and then finished them. The xG analysis supports the scoreline, and the late third goal was the reward for Arsenal’s relentless running even when the points were already safe.
Arsenal vs Sunderland Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori; Kai Havertz, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard.
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Robin Roefs; Nordi Mukiele, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo Mandava; Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra; Trai Hume, Enzo Le Fee, Chemsdine Talbi; Brian Brobbey.
Used substitutes: Arsenal introduced Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli, Piero Hincapie and Christian Norgaard, with Trossard forced off late through injury. Sunderland turned to Romaine Mundle, Lutsharel Geertruida, Nilson Angulo and Wilson Isidor as they chased a foothold.
Player of the Match
Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal). Coming on with the game still within reach, he flipped the contest with a composed finish for 2-0 and then kept his concentration to add a third deep into stoppage time. Two goals, one decisive cameo, and the clearest difference-maker on the pitch.
What the Result Means
For anyone checking the Arsenal match today headline, this was the kind of win that strengthens belief: controlled for long spells, clinical when it mattered, and reinforced by impact from the bench. Sunderland will look at the missed moments — Diarra’s big chance, the near-miss header late on — and feel the fine margins that separate a competitive performance from a result.
In full-time analysis terms, Arsenal’s ability to turn dominance into goals was the clearest takeaway, while Sunderland’s next step is finding a sharper edge in the final third. Post-match reaction will rightly focus on Zubimendi’s opener and Gyökeres’ ruthless finishing, but Arsenal’s defensive calm ensured the clean sheet never felt like a gamble.
For the record, the Arsenal vs Sunderland Match Report reads simply: Arsenal’s quality decided it, and the Arsenal vs Sunderland Goals arrived at the moments that hurt Sunderland most — just before the break in momentum, then twice after Arsenal’s substitutions raised the tempo.
That's it for today, Samuel Barrott has blown his whistle and the game is over.
90+6'
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) gets on the end of a defence splitting pass inside the box and immediately directs a low shot towards the middle of the goal, but the Robin Roefs makes a great save.
90+6'
Jurrien Timber (Arsenal) was too fierce in his attempt to get the ball from his opponent and Samuel Barrott blows for a foul.
90+3'
3 - 0
Goal! Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) scores after an assist by Gabriel Martinelli that allowed him to tap in the ball into an empty net. The score is 3:0.
90+1'
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) misses a chance to score! He produces a header from inside the box, but it goes narrowly over the crossbar.
90+1'
Nilson Angulo (Sunderland) is going to send the ball in from the free kick.
90+1'
Eberechi Eze (Arsenal) is penalised for holding. Samuel Barrott signals a set piece. Sunderland are awarded a free kick. Let's see what they create from this.
90'
We will have 6 min. of added time.
89'
Mikel Arteta is forced to make a change. Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) is unable to continue due to injury, Christian Norgaard comes on.
88'
Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) picks up an injury.
85'
Here is a change. Brian Brobbey is going off and Regis Le Bris gives the last tactical orders to Wilson Isidor (Sunderland).
85'
The referee stops play so that a substitution can be made and Nilson Angulo (Sunderland) comes onto the pitch for Trai Hume.
85'
Declan Rice (Arsenal) takes the corner which is cleared by the opposition's defence.
80'
The shots on goal statistics – 3:3.
76'
Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) sends a lofted cross into the penalty area. Unfortunately for him, the opponent's defence deals with his cross comfortably and intercepts it.
75'
A cross into the box from Romaine Mundle (Sunderland) is cleared.
75'
Eberechi Eze (Arsenal) receives a brilliant pass and wastes a big opportunity as his shot from inside the penalty area flies narrowly wide of the right post.
74'
Declan Rice (Arsenal) puts a cross into the box from the corner but there is no panic from the opposition and they easily clear.
71'
The manager has decided to make a substitution and Noah Sadiki walks off the pitch to be replaced by Lutsharel Geertruida (Sunderland).
69'
The referee signals that it is time for a substitution and Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) is coming onto the pitch as Noni Madueke cannot continue after picking up an injury.
67'
Mikel Arteta has decided to make a change. Eberechi Eze (Arsenal) replaces Kai Havertz.
67'
Substitution. Riccardo Calafiori will be replaced by Piero Hincapie (Arsenal).
66'
2 - 0
Goal! Kai Havertz plays a simple square pass into the feet of Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) in the box, who composes himself and lashes the ball into the bottom left corner. 2:0.
64'
It's time for a substitution. Romaine Mundle (Sunderland) comes on in place of Chemsdine Talbi.
64'
Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) gives away a foul for a fierce tackle on an opponent.
60'
Mikel Arteta has decided to introduce fresh legs, with Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) replacing Gabriel Jesus.
57'
Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) makes a strong challenge and Samuel Barrott blows for a foul.
55'
Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) plays a dangerous chip pass into the box in an attempt to set up one of his teammates, but the effort is intercepted by one of the defenders.
53'
Kai Havertz (Arsenal) collects a pass on the edge of the box but he slips the ball just wide of the right post.
51'
The game is interrupted as Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal) is flagged offside.
50'
Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland) superbly controls a difficult pass on the edge of the box and effortlessly let's fly with a magnificent low strike towards the middle of the goal, which the keeper somehow pushes away.
47'
Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal) sends a lofted cross into the box which is headed clear.
46'
Samuel Barrott blows his whistle and the second half starts.
45+6'
The referee blows his whistle for half-time, bringing to a close the first 45 minutes of the match.
45+5'
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) fails to beat the offside trap and the linesman puts his flag up.
45+5'
Sunderland quickly take a corner kick with a short pass.
45+5'
Kai Havertz (Arsenal) receives a precise pass on the edge of the box and bends his effort inches wide of the left post.
45+2'
Habib Diarra (Sunderland) must feel embarrassed now. He received a killer pass, but his shot from the six-yard box was a disaster. He miskicked and made it very easy for David Raya to get hold of the ball.
45'
4 min. of stoppage-time to be played.
44'
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal) is caught offside!
42'
1 - 0
Goal! Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal) volleys the ball from the edge of the box and it goes in off the bottom of the left post. Leandro Trossard provided the assist. 1:0.
40'
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) commits a foul and is shown a yellow card.
39'
Samuel Barrott shows the yellow card to Habib Diarra (Sunderland) for a heavy challenge.
39'
A corner kick by Sunderland is thwarted by the well prepared David Raya (Arsenal).
39'
The ball is cleared after Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) attempted to dribble past an opposing player. The ball goes out of play. Sunderland are awarded a corner kick.
34'
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal) latches on to a precise pass and finds himself one-on-one with the keeper, but his effort is straight at Robin Roefs, who is alert and makes an easy save to deny him.
34'
Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) has a shot blocked from inside the box.
33'
Declan Rice (Arsenal) takes the corner, but the goalkeeper jumps and gathers the ball.
32'
Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) floats the free kick into the box, but it's easily cleared by the first man.
31'
Foul! Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal) is penalised for pulling back his opponent. Sunderland are awarded a free kick.
30'
Declan Rice (Arsenal) shoots after receiving a good pass. His effort from the edge of the box goes just wide of the right post.
28'
Kai Havertz (Arsenal) commits a rough foul. Samuel Barrott stops the game and makes a call.
28'
Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) gets on the ball and beats an opponent, but his run is stopped by the referee Samuel Barrott who sees an offensive foul.
27'
Sunderland couldn't find the way to score from a mid-range free kick as David Raya (Arsenal) leaped high and intercepted the cross.
26'
William Saliba (Arsenal) gets a yellow card.
26'
Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal) whips a promising cross into the box, but the opposition's defence intercepts the ball.
24'
Declan Rice (Arsenal) swings in the corner, but the goalkeeper does a brilliant job to intercept the effort.
24'
Noni Madueke (Arsenal) whips in a cross from the corner, but Robin Roefs is well positioned and punches the ball away. The ball is out of play. Arsenal win a corner kick.
23'
Noni Madueke (Arsenal) attempts to send over a cross in order to find one of his teammates, but an opposition defender averts the danger by intercepting the effort. Arsenal force a corner. They send men into the box.
22'
The defence had a hard time blocking out the strike from Omar Alderete (Sunderland). He didn't hesitate and finished from outside the box right after he had received a pass from his teammate.
20'
The linesman raises his flag. Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal) is adjudged offside.
19'
Noni Madueke (Arsenal) swings a cross into the box, but it's far too close to Robin Roefs, who smothers the ball.
17'
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal) slaloms his way past challenges, but an opposing player does well to get the ball away. The referee and the linesman both signal a throw-in for Arsenal.
13'
A great run by Noni Madueke (Arsenal) gets him into the box, but his powerful shot is bravely blocked by a defender.
11'
The foul by Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) was seen by Samuel Barrott who didn't hesitate to blow the whistle.
9'
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) receives the ball from the free kick inside the six-yard box, but fails to score. His shot to the middle is blocked by one of the defenders.
8'
Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) slides a pass forward, but one of the defenders cuts it out.
5'
Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) sends a cross into the box, but the opposition's defence clears the ball to safety.
3'
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) shows too much aggression while trying to break free from his opponent and the referee blows his whistle for a foul.
2'
It looks like William Saliba (Arsenal) saw red with that tackle. Samuel Barrott won't tolerate such behaviour on the pitch and blows for a foul.
1'
Kai Havertz (Arsenal) latched on to a cross and struck a header just wide of the left post.
1'
The first half has started.
The players are out and the match is about to start. Arsenal will have the kick-off.
Samuel Barrott was nominated as the referee for this game.
Show lineups
The starting lineups for this match have been revealed.
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