Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, recording a fourth consecutive win in all competitions.

The match remained delicately balanced for the opening 40 minutes before Martin Zubimendi broke the deadlock with a drilled low effort off the post to give the hosts a deserved lead.

According to Arsenal’s post-match report, the Spanish midfielder’s strike, his fifth league goal of the season, was a “wonderful, crisp finish” from the club’s summer signing.

Arsenal nearly struck within the opening minute when Leandro Trossard delivered a teasing cross from the byline, but Kai Havertz headed wide despite being unmarked.

Sunderland also had moments of threat, as Trai Hume narrowly avoided an own goal while Declan Rice fired a long-range effort just wide of the post.

The Gunners put the game beyond doubt in the second half through substitute Viktor Gyokeres, who made an immediate impact. The striker smashed home from a Havertz assist midway through the half after only minutes on the pitch.

Gyokeres completed his brace deep into injury time, sliding in from a Gabriel Martinelli counter-attack pass to score his 13th goal of his debut campaign.

Arsenal kept their 21st clean sheet in all competitions, surpassing last season’s total, despite early second-half pressure from Sunderland, which tested goalkeeper David Raya and the defensive resolve of William Saliba and Gabriel.

A controversial moment followed when Gabriel Jesus appeared to win a penalty after rounding the goalkeeper, but VAR ruled him marginally offside.

Arsenal will face Brentford away in midweek league action before hosting League One side Wigan Athletic in the fourth round of the FA Cup next weekend