Arsenal Stretch Title Lead as Gyokeres Delivers, Palmer Fires Chelsea to Molineux Win

Arsenal moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table after seeing off a stubborn Sunderland side 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, combining patience, quality and depth to decisive effect.

The Gunners were made to work hard in the opening exchanges as Sunderland showed no fear, pressing high and creating early moments of danger. David Raya was forced into action, while Kai Havertz produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Brian Brobbey as the visitors threatened to stun the league leaders.

Arsenal gradually grew into the contest and found the breakthrough three minutes before the break through Martin Zubimendi. The midfielder produced a moment of pure class, collecting Leandro Trossard’s pass on the edge of the area before bending a superb right-footed strike in off the post, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.

Sunderland started the second half with real intent and briefly unsettled the hosts, but Mikel Arteta’s changes on the hour proved decisive. Viktor Gyokeres was introduced and wasted little time making his mark. In the 66th minute, Kai Havertz’s cut-back found the Swedish striker, who steadied himself before firing low into the corner to double Arsenal’s lead.

With Sunderland chasing the game, space opened up late on and Arsenal punished them. Deep into stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli broke forward and unselfishly squared for Gyokeres, who calmly slotted home his second of the evening to wrap up a comprehensive victory.

The result leaves Arsenal with a commanding cushion at the summit and full of confidence ahead of their next league outing, while Sunderland slip to ninth despite another spirited display.

Elsewhere, Chelsea continued their climb up the table with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, inspired by a devastating first-half display from Cole Palmer.

The visitors struck early when Joao Pedro was brought down inside the area, allowing Palmer to calmly convert from the spot in the 13th minute. Wolves failed to heed the warning and were punished again soon after, as another foul on Joao Pedro resulted in a second penalty, which Palmer dispatched with equal composure.

Chelsea then delivered the killer blow before the break. A swift move down the left saw Marc Cucurella pull the ball back into the box, where Palmer arrived to smash home his third goal of the half, completing a remarkable hat-trick and effectively ending the contest before the interval.

Wolves showed more fight after the restart and were rewarded when Tolu Arokodare reduced the deficit, reacting quickest in the box to swivel and score following a corner. However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished as Chelsea regained control and comfortably saw out the closing stages.

The win marks another milestone for Chelsea under Liam Rosenior, who has now won his opening four Premier League matches in charge. For Wolves, the defeat leaves them rooted near the bottom, with performances still not translating into results.

As the title race and battle for European places intensify, both Arsenal and Chelsea sent out clear messages that they are hitting form at a crucial stage of the season.