LONDON: Arsenal surged nine points clear at the top of the Premier League with a commanding 3-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday, while pressure intensified on Tottenham boss Thomas Frank after a 2-0 defeat at Manchester United.
Mikel Arteta’s side broke the deadlock just before half-time at the Emirates Stadium when Martin Zubimendi beat goalkeeper Robin Roefs at his near post.
Viktor Gyokeres then took centre stage, striking in the 66th minute before adding a stoppage-time goal to secure Arsenal’s second straight league victory.
The Gunners, chasing their first league title in 22 years, look increasingly poised to end a long drought after finishing runners-up in each of the past three seasons. Arsenal also booked a League Cup final clash with Manchester City by beating Chelsea in midweek, adding to growing optimism in north London.
Second-placed City have a chance to respond on Sunday when they face Liverpool at Anfield, while third-placed Aston Villa slipped further back after a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. Villa led through Morgan Rogers’ fine strike, but teenager Rayan netted his first Premier League goal to earn the hosts a point.
At Old Trafford, Manchester United capitalised on a red card for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero to maintain their perfect start under interim boss Michael Carrick.
Romero was dismissed for a rash challenge on Casemiro, and Bryan Mbeumo soon put United ahead from a clever set-piece. Bruno Fernandes sealed the win late on, ending United’s long winless run against Spurs and strengthening their grip on fourth place.
Tottenham, now 14th and winless in seven league games in 2026, are edging closer to the relegation battle. Frank admitted his side must “deal with it” as scrutiny continues to mount.
Elsewhere, Cole Palmer scored a first-half hat-trick as Chelsea beat Wolves 3-1, West Ham eased relegation fears with a 2-0 win at Burnley, Brentford stunned Newcastle 3-2 at St James’ Park, and Everton edged Fulham 2-1 thanks to a late Bernd Leno own goal.
