Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim - Breaking Media

Kai Havertz runs the show, 4/10 teammate struggles - Arsenal player ratings vs Sunderland

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at Reach PLC and PA Media; University of Central Lancashire graduate. FOCUS Fan-engagement content and match analysis across the Premier League and Championship. THE INSIGHT Oliver utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified reporting and fan-first content. He provides the human stories behind the results to ensure fans get the full picture as it happens.

Published on:

07 Feb 2026, 11:32 am

Arsenal took another stride towards the Premier League title as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium.

Declan Rice went closest early on as his fierce long-range shot whizzed wide of Robin Roefs' left post just before the half-hour mark.

Arsenal soon took the lead just before half-time as Martin Zubimendi fired a shot low past Roefs at his near post.

The hosts went 2-0 up just after the hour mark through Viktor Gyokeres, as he made space in the box from Kai Havertz's cross and struck home.

Gyokeres bagged his brace in the closing stages after Gabriel Martinelli laid it on a plate for him to score into an empty net following a quick counter, and it ended 3-0 to Arsenal.

(Credit: Imago)

Kai Havertz - Man of the match

Havertz recently returned from a long-term injury layoff, and he was handed only his third Premier League start of the season for the visit of the Black Cats.

He was a driving force from attacking midfield in the Gunners' quest for all three points to keep up their title charge, as he created two chances, took three shots and had seven touches in Sunderland's area.

Havertz saved a certain Sunderland goal in the first half as he cleared Brian Brobbey's shot off the line after David Raya had spilt the ball into his path.

He also set Gyokeres' goal up with real technique and guile as he avoided straying offside while the visitors' defenders struggled to return to their flat line and then laid it on a plate for the Swede to score.

Havertz earns an eight out of 10 match rating for his stellar showing at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel Jesus did nothing of note

Jesus seriously impressed last weekend against Leeds as he stepped off the bench to score, but his own third league start of the campaign was not as fruitful.

The Brazilian striker failed to create a chance for his teammates, while he tested Roefs just once and only took two touches in Sunderland's penalty area.

(Credit: Imago)

Jesus was also caught offside three times in the match, while he lost all three of the duels he attempted, and he was rightly taken off for Gyokeres, who then shone, in the 60th minute.

The 28-year-old is given a low four out of 10 rating for his poor showing, despite the Gunners' victory.