Mikel Arteta believes Viktor Gyokeres has raised his game to the “highest level” after he scored a second-half brace in Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Sunderland.

Following Martin Zubimendi's impressive first-half opener at the Emirates Stadium, Gyokeres landed his first just six minutes after coming on as a substitute.

The Sweden international then completed his brace in stoppage time to put the gloss on a win which moved Arteta's side nine points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

Gyokeres has faced criticism during his first campaign in north London. But his double takes his tally to four in as many matches, and six from his last eight appearances.

And Arteta said: "Confidence is the magic word. When you feel confident, when you feel important, when you feel at your best, that's when you can really take your game to the highest level.

Image: Gyokeres is congratulated after doubling Arsenal's lead against Sunderland

"We are really behind him in every moment to try to help him, to try to support him. And he is delivering, and he's in a really good moment now.

"Obviously, when you put that...