Arsenal have extended their advantage against Sunderland thanks to a composed finish from Viktor Gyökeres, who made it 2–0 for the Gunners in the first half. After Martín Zubimendi’s earlier opener, this goal has given Mikel Arteta’s side even more breathing room and confidence heading into the second half.
The move began with precise build-up play in Arsenal’s midfield, as Kai Havertz collected the ball and drove forward, drawing Sunderland defenders toward him. Spotting space in the centre of the box, Havertz delivered a perfectly timed pass to Gyökeres, who had positioned himself ideally to capitalize. With calmness and accuracy, the Swedish forward struck the ball with his right foot, sending it low into the bottom left corner and leaving the Sunderland goalkeeper with no chance.
This goal underlined Arsenal’s growing dominance after a scrappy start. The opening 40 minutes had seen the home side struggle to find rhythm, while Sunderland had defended resolutely and looked dangerous on counterattacks. Zubimendi’s opener had already lifted the Emirates Stadium, and Gyökeres’ strike has now added a sense of security and momentum to Arsenal’s performance.
The chemistry between Havertz and Gyökeres was evident, as the pass split Sunderland’s defensive line and allowed the forward a clean sight of goal. It also highlighted Arsenal’s ability to exploit pockets of space and turn quick, intelligent passing into high-quality scoring opportunities.
For Sunderland, the timing of the second goal is a heavy blow. Having managed to absorb Arsenal’s pressure for long periods, they now find themselves chasing the game and facing the prospect of a two-goal deficit before the break. It disrupts their defensive structure and forces a more open approach in the second half — a situation that plays into Arsenal’s strengths.
This goal also reinforced the team spirit within the Arsenal squad. Earlier, Zubimendi had paid tribute to Mikel Merino by performing his signature celebration after scoring the opener, a gesture that showcased the unity and camaraderie among the players. With Gyökeres now adding his name to the scoresheet, the team looks confident and motivated to build on their first-half dominance.
As Arsenal head into the interval with a comfortable 2–0 lead, fans can expect a more fluid and assertive performance in the second half. The Gunners have shown that, despite a slow start, they have the individual quality and collective understanding to break down stubborn defenses.
If they maintain this intensity and composure, Arsenal are well on their way to securing a strong result against Sunderland, while also sending a statement about their attacking potential and squad depth. Viktor Gyökeres’ goal, alongside Zubimendi’s opener, has set the stage for an exciting second half at the Emirates Stadium.
