Arsenal welcome Sunderland to the Emirates Stadium this afternoon looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points.
The Gunners have had a fantastic week following their 4-0 mauling of Leeds last Saturday. Their closest title rivals, Manchester City and Aston Villa, both dropped points thanks to a 2-2 draw with Spurs and a 1-0 loss to Brentford respectively before Mikel Arteta’s men swept Chelsea aside to reach the Carabao Cup final during the week.
That place Arsenal on course for an unprecedented quadruple and they can move one step closer to securing the Premier League trophy should they defeat Sunderland today.
The Black Cats started the season superbly following their promotion from the Championship and currently sit eighth in the table just five points off the top four. Qualifying for a place in Europe would be a fitting reward for such a fine season but Regis Le Bris’ men need to maintain their momentum after beating Burnley 3-0 last time out.
Follow all the action from the Emirates Stadium with our live blog below:
Arsenal vs Sunderland live
- Arsenal beat Sunderland to extend lead in Premier League
- 90+3' GOAL! Gyokeres secures the points with a third (ARS 3-0 SUN)
- 66' GOAL! Gyokeres doubles Arsenal's lead (ARS 2-0 SUN)
- 42' GOAL! Zubimendi sends Arsenal ahead (ARS 1-0 SUN)
- The match is not being broadcast on television in the UK due to blackout rights
- Gunners look to extend lead over Manchester City and close in on title
Full-time! Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland
16:58 , Mike JonesArsenal extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
They have a cushionof nine points over Manchester City and are one step closer to lifting the trophy.
Mikel Arteta is very happy.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland (Viktor Gyokeres, 90+3')
16:54 , Mike JonesGabriel Martinelli makes another goal with a flick over the defence before striding up to the box.
He draws in the goalkeeper, slots the ball across to Gyokeres who taps home.
Job done for Arsenal.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:51 , Mike Jones88 mins: A blip for the Gunners as Leandro Trossard goes down and needs some treatment.
Perhaps as a precaution, Christian Norgaard is brought on to replace him.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:42 , Mike Jones81 mins: Arsenal are content just keeping possession and passing the ball around stopping Sunderland from creating chances.
Declan Rice is in possession and the Arsenal fans want him to have a go for the third.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:35 , Mike Jones75 mins: Arsenal are very comfortable in this game now.
Sunderland have done well but there’s not enough time for them to get back into this match.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:31 , Mike Jones70 mins: That goal from Arsenal seems to have done the business for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Two goals up and extending their lead to nine points at the top of the table.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland (Viktor Gyokeres, 66')
16:27 , Mike JonesA needed goal for Arsenal and it’s come from Viktor Gyokeres!
Kai Havertz feeds it to him on the edge of the box.
He touches it inside and looks off balance. As he’s falling he shoots and guides a lovely effort into the bottom corner!
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
16:24 , Mike Jones63 mins: Madueke and Jesus have been taken off by Mikel Arteta with Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli brought on to replace them.
It’s a little sedate at the minute with Arsenal backing themselves to keep a clean sheet.
Sunderland have done well and if they do score it won’t be a total shock.
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
16:20 , Mike Jones58 mins: Brobbey is the target man for Sunderland and he’s been holding the ball up well for the visitors.
The Black Cats are giving this a go and it’s encouraging.
A challenge for Arsenal to overcome if they want to extend their lead in the table.
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
16:13 , Mike Jones53 mins: More pressure from Sunderland.
A long ball forward drops to David Raya who fumbles the ball.
It comes to Brian Brobbey who has a sight of goal but Saliba is on hand to boot the ball clear.
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
16:12 , Mike Jones50 mins: Close!
Sunderland haven’t been cowed by Arsenal taking the lead.
Chemsdine Talbi fires a curling shot at goal but David Raya drops low to keep it out.
Second half! Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
16:06 , Mike JonesThe ball is rolling again at the Emirates Stadium. Can Arsenal secure the win from here or is there a way back for Sunderland?
Half-time! Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
15:50 , Mike Jones45 mins: Arsenal head into the break with a slim lead thanks to Martin Zubimendi.
So far so good for the Gunners.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland (Martin Zubimendi, 42')
15:43 , Mike JonesThat’s the breakthrough!
Martin Zubimendi finally converts Arsenal’s control and possession into a big goal.
Arsenal move into the lead.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:42 , Mike Jones41 mins: Lucky boy.
Brian Brobbey lunges into a tackle on Martin Zubimendi and catches him on the shin
We saw something similar in the match between Man United and Tottenham with Cristian Romero sent off.
Brobbey meanwhile is shown a yellow.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:40 , Mike Jones40 mins: Reinildo takes on Saliba and nutmegs the defender in a rare attack from the visitors.
Saliba does well to get back though and tip the ball out for a corner.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:37 , Mike Jones37 mins: Gabriel Jesus is the latest to strike one for the Gunners who fizzes a shot into the arms of Robin Roefs.
A bit of frustration growing for the hosts.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:33 , Mike Jones33 mins: Enzo Le Fee catches a stray arm in the face from Kai Havertz but there’s no punishment.
Declan Rice curls a shot towards goal and is inches away from the opener but things remain goalless.
Sunderland are defending well.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:28 , Mike Jones30 mins: Arsenal are increasing the pressure on the Sunderland defence.
Mikel Arteta’s men are forcing Sunderland back, swinging in crosses and winning themselves set pieces.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:25 , Mike Jones26 mins: Close!
Sunderland’s Hume tries the clear the ball but miscues his clearance and scuffs the ball, from a Madueke cross, over his own crossbar!
The resultant corner is swung into the box and Sunderland deal with it.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:21 , Mike Jones22 mins: Oh!
Nordi Mukiele puts in a heavy tackle on Gabriel Jesus and encourages the visiting fans.
He wins the ball, passes it on and then gestures for the Sunderland fans to lift the noise levels.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:17 , Mike Jones17 mins: Arsenal’s threat is coming from the wide areas with Leandro Trossard and Noni Madueke both have plenty of possession.
However, Sunderland’s shape is such that both wingers are cutting inside to try and find more space to operate in.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:15 , Mike Jones13 mins: Not much to write home about other than Arsenal’s consistent control.
Goals are going in elsewhere in the Premier League but for now it remains goalless at the Emirates.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:09 , Mike Jones8 mins: Chance!
A long free kick from the visitors is booted up the pitch and comes to Ballard.
He turns one towards goal and should be putting the visitors ahead only for Kai Havertz to block and clear the effort about six yards from the goalline.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:08 , Mike Jones6 mins: Sunderland’s gameplan will be to hang in as long as possible against the league leaders before trying to steal a goal at the other end.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:03 , Mike Jones2 mins: Close!
Leandro Trossard gets the ball over on the left wing and hooks a cross back into the middle of the box.
Kai Havertz is there to win the header and nods his effort just wide of the target!
That quick chance could be an ominous sign for the visitors.
Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:00 , Mike JonesThe ball gets rolling at the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal taking on Sunderland.
Can the Black Cats secure a positive result away from home?
Arsenal vs Sunderland
14:56 , Mike JonesThe teams make their way out onto the pitch with Arsenal knowing that a win will put them nine points clear at the top of the table.
Can they take this chance? Let’s find out...
Time for Gyokeres to shine?
14:50 , Mike JonesFour of Viktor Gyokeres’ six Premier League goals for Arsenal this season have come against the promoted sides (3 vs Leeds, 1 vs Burnley).
These four goals have come from just six shots (67% conversion rate), compared to just two goals from 29 shots against everyone else (7% conversion).
Set piece specialists
14:45 , Mike JonesArsenal have scored more goals from corners than any other side in the Premier League this season (14), with the Gunners just two goals off the most corner goals in a single campaign (16 by Oldham in 1992-93, West Brom in 2016-17 and Arsenal themselves in 2023-24).
A solid defence
14:40 , Mike JonesSunderland have faced the third most shots in the Premier League this season (337) but have conceded the joint-third fewest goals (26).
Their goals conceded to shots faced ratio (7.7%) is the lowest across a single campaign since Liverpool in 2018-19 (7.2%).
The importance of Roefs
14:35 , Mike JonesSunderland’s Robin Roefs has made the third-most saves (76), has the second-highest save percentage (74.3%) and the joint-5th most clean sheets (8) of any goalkeeper in the Premier League this season.
The last time a goalkeeper kept more clean sheets for a promoted side was in 2020-21 (Illan Meslier 11, Alphonse Areola 9).
PSR is finally dead – How the Premier League’s new financial rules benefit the elite
14:30 , Miguel DelaneyIf the January window was unusually quiet – given the money in the Premier League – part of the reason is explained by the noise in some of the boardrooms. One big club actively wanted to spend and felt they could comfortably do so within next season’s new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) rules, but didn’t want to risk it as it could bust them through this season’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
The concerns show the “layer of acronyms” – to quote one source – the Premier League is now working through, before next season’s switch to the new rules. Whether it adds more layers or even increases financial stratification is still the subject of considerable debate.
PSR is finally dead – How the Premier League’s new financial rules benefit the elite
Poor on the road
14:25 , Mike JonesSunderland are winless in their last seven Premier League away games three draws, four defeats) since a 2-1 victory at Chelsea in October.
No promoted side has ever won away at both Arsenal and Chelsea in a Premier League campaign before.
A bad place to go
14:20 , Mike JonesSunderland have never won in 16 Premier League away games against Arsenal (five draws, 11 defeats).
Only visiting Liverpool have they gone more often without a victory in the competition (17).
Signs look good for Gunners
14:15 , Mike JonesArsenal lost 3-2 against Man Utd in their last home league game, last losing consecutively at the Emirates in April 2022.
However, the Gunners are unbeaten in their last 43 at home against promoted sides - the joint-longest run in Premier League history (Chelsea also 43 between 2001 and 2015).
Sunderland are due a win
14:10 , Mike JonesSunderland have won just one of their last 28 Premier League games against Arsenal (10 draws, 17 defeats).
That victory was a 1-0 home win in November 2009.
Arsenal vs Sunderland
14:05 , Mike JonesArsenal are unbeaten in their last 18 home league games against Sunderland (13 wins, five draws) since a 2-1 loss at Highbury in November 1983.
Inside the latest twists in a Premier League title race defined by volatility
14:00 , Miguel DelaneyAs opposition coaches analyse Manchester City, they believe they have seen something shift. It may even fit with the volatility of the Premier League right now.
Put simply – and unlike for much of the last decade – if you can stay in a game with City, you now have a chance. The team of two years ago would, after all, probably have blown that Tottenham Hotspur side away in the first half.
Inside the latest twists in a Premier League title race defined by volatility
Sunderland team to face Arsenal
13:48 , Mike JonesSunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Hume, Le Fee, Sadiki, Talbi; Diarra, Brobbey
RLB's XI to take on Arsenal! 👊#ARSSUN pic.twitter.com/V8WAQA7z2e
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) February 7, 2026
Arsenal team to face Sunderland
13:47 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Havertz; Madueke, Jesus, Trossard
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 7, 2026
🔙 Calafiori returns to the XI
💡 Havertz pulling the strings
⚡️ Jesus leading the charge
A big opportunity awaits - let's take it, Gunners ✊
Presented by @deel 🤝
Almost time for team news
13:42 , Mike JonesArsenal and Sunderland face off against each other at the Emirates Stadium in what could be a clash that has ramifications on the title race.
Should Sunderland get something out of this match Arsenal could lose momentum and ground to their rivals.
The official line-ups are dropping soon so we’ll see how the teams match up against one another....
How do Arsenal deal with noise around their title bid?
13:36 , Mike Jones“We don't have much time [to focus on it],” Mikel Arteta revealed.
“We are so busy with games, training sessions, and planning that we are a bit far from that. But it's normal, and I think it's something very positive, whether it's positive feedback or not.
“I think we are here to learn and improve and the fact that we are there is the most important thing at the end.”
Jurrien Timber believes winning the Carabao Cup could be springboard for Arsenal
13:30 , Mike JonesJurrien Timber believes winning the Carabao Cup could serve as a springboard to even greater riches for Arsenal this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side are one match away from ending their six-year wait for a trophy after they saw off Chelsea at the Emirates to book their place in next month’s final.
Jurrien Timber believes winning the Carabao Cup could be springboard for Arsenal
Can Sunderland beat Arsenal?
13:24 , Mike JonesLe Bris certainly thinks so and he’s trying to instil that mindset into his players.
“We spoke early in the season about the different challenges. If we say we just want to win or we expect to win against the second part of the table, you might miss the opportunity to win against the first part of the table,” he explained.
“I think it’s still possible if you believe that it’s possible. So you have to have this confidence, this belief against those kind of teams.”
Facing Arsenal an 'exciting challenge'
13:18 , Mike JonesSunderland manager Regis Le Bris says taking on one of the best teams in Europe is an ‘exciting challenge’.
“We have to show the best version of Sunderland with an underdog mindset,” he said.
“They are playing at a huge level. They are impressive in the Premier League, outstanding in the Champions League.
“They are probably one of the best teams in Europe at the minute, so it’s a tough challenge, but an exciting challenge."
Reaching Wembley final 'exciting' for Arsenal
13:12 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta also explained the feeling inside the Arsenal dressing room after they confirmed their place in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
“The energy that winning a big tie against a great Chelsea side brings and the fact that you'll install yourself in Wembley in a couple of weeks, obviously it’s exciting, it’s what we want,” he said.
“You could feel the excitement around our supporters as well which is great, so yes, on to the next one now.”
Sunderland is an 'opportunity to be better'
13:06 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta says the clash with Sunderland is just ‘another opportunity to be better than the opposition’ as Arsenal look to move nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.
“Another opportunity to win, to be better than the opposition and earn the right to win the game, that’s it,” Arteta said of the game.
“The statement is that we do what we have to do, and it’s going to be a really tough match.
“I think they have been on an incredible run all season, and what they’ve been doing, so we know the complexity of the match.”
How Chelsea’s dull and overthought tactics finally returned Arsenal to Wembley
13:00 , Miguel DelaneyA long-awaited return. Not just Arsenal’s first cup final in six years but – perhaps more importantly to the wider season – another comeback goal from Kai Havertz. Many at the club see him as the difference.
He made the difference in an otherwise poor match, ending any late tension as he rounded Robert Sanchez in stoppage time to secure a 1-0 victory that was a 4-2 on aggregate, to secure a place in the Carabao Cup final.
How Chelsea’s dull and overthought tactics finally returned Arsenal to Wembley
Sunderland's early team news
12:54 , Mike JonesGranit Xhaka will miss a return to his old club as an ankle injury keeps the Sunderland captain on the sidelines.
Bertrand Traore has a knee problem and Jocelin Ta Bi is nursing an ankle issue. Both will miss the game.
Omar Alderete limped off in the closing stages of the clash with Burnley but there are no serious concerns about his availability.
Predicted Sunderland XI: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Le Fee, Diarra, Sadiki, Talbi; Brobbey
Arsenal early team news
12:48 , Mike JonesArsenal will be without Mikel Merino who is absent due to a foot injury and Bukayo Saka is a doubt after picking up a hip issue in the warm up ahead of the win versus Leeds.
Martin Odegaard had a niggle and missed the Carabao Cup semi-final with Chelsea but Mikel Arteta is hopeful he will be fit for today’s match but Max Dowman misses out with an ankle problem.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Havertz, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Jesus, Trossard
Is Arsenal vs Sunderland on TV?
12:42 , Mike JonesNo, as Arsenal vs Sunderland is a 3pm kick off it falls under the UK’s blackout rules for Saturday matches meaning it is not allowed to be broadcast on television.
The Independent will have live updates from the game and post match reaction following the result.
When is the match?
12:36 , Mike JonesArsenal vs Sunderland face each other in the Premier League with the match held at the Emirates Stadium and kicking off at 3pm on Saturday 7 February.
Arsenal vs Sunderland
12:30 , Mike JonesArsenal welcome Sunderland to the Emirates Stadium this afternoon looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points.
The Gunners have had a fantastic week following their 4-0 mauling of Leeds last Saturday. Their closest title rivals, Manchester City and Aston Villa, both dropped points thanks to a 2-2 draw with Spurs and a 1-0 loss to Brentford respectively before Mikel Arteta’s men swept Chelsea aside to reach the Carabao Cup final during the week.
That place Arsenal on course for an unprecedented quadruple and they can move one step closer to securing the Premier League trophy should they defeat Sunderland today.
The Black Cats started the season superbly following their promotion from the Championship and currently sit eighth in the table just five points off the top four. Qualifying for a place in Europe would be a fitting reward for such a fine season but Regis Le Bris’ men need to maintain their momentum after beating Burnley 3-0 last time out.
Good afternoon!
10:12 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Premier League clash between Arsenal and Sunderland.
The Gunners are hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table and move one step closer to winning the title but Sunderland have their sights on a European place and could off a tough test.
We’ll have all the latest updates and team news throughout the day so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 3pm.
