Viktor Gyokeres' brace helped fire Arsenal to their first Premier League home win in 39 days. Say it quietly but it might just be one of their most important yet.

Martin Zubimendi was also on target to send the Gunners nine points clear of Manchester City before their awkward trip to Anfield.

The fact Aston Villa, the last top-flight team to lose at the Emirates on December 30, also dropped points at Bournemouth was also an added bonus.

Arsenal did not need to set the world alight but they were effective and comfortable without absent duo Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard to take another positive step towards the finish line.

They also recorded their third successive clean sheet on an afternoon which was somewhat soured by the sight of Leandro Trossard being forced off with a potential fitness issue late in the second half.

From the first whistle, Sunderland - still yet to record an away victory at Arsenal in the Premier League era - were out to frustrate the Premier League leaders by any means necessary.

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