Arsenal took a significant step towards claiming their first Premier League title in 22 years with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. A second-half brace from Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres sealed the win, extending Arsenal's lead at the top of the table to nine points.

The Gunners displayed a calm and collected performance, controlling the game from the outset. Despite missing key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, Mikel Arteta's squad showcased their depth and tactical flexibility.

The first half saw Arsenal dominate possession, but they struggled to break down a resilient Sunderland defense. However, just before halftime, Martin Zubimendi broke the deadlock with a stunning long-range strike, his sixth goal of the season. The goal sent the home crowd into raptures and gave Arsenal a crucial lead heading into the break.

In the second half, Arteta introduced Gyokeres as a substitute on the hour mark, and the Swede made an immediate impact. Six minutes after coming on, Gyokeres doubled Arsenal's advantage, capitalizing on a clever pass from Kai Havertz to fire home from close range. Despite a recent claim from Arsenal legend Paul Merson that Gyokeres' teammates don't trust him, the striker showed composure and clinical finishing.

Gyokeres wasn't finished there. Deep into stoppage time, he grabbed his second goal of the match, sealing a comfortable 3-0 win for the Gunners. Gabriel Martinelli led a counterattack from inside his own half, drawing the goalkeeper before unselfishly squaring the ball to Gyokeres, who slotted it into an empty net.

The victory puts significant pressure on Manchester City, who face a tough away game against Liverpool on Sunday. Aston Villa's draw against Bournemouth means they are now nine points behind Arsenal, further solidifying the Gunners' position as title favorites.

While Gyokeres has 11 goals in all competitions for Arsenal since joining last summer, including six in 22 Premier League appearances, some have questioned his overall contribution. However, his performance against Sunderland demonstrated his ability to deliver crucial goals when it matters most.

Arsenal's win against Sunderland showcased the qualities of genuine title contenders: resilience, tactical flexibility, and clinical finishing. With key players set to return from injury and Gyokeres finding his form, the Gunners are in a strong position to end their long wait for a Premier League title.