Arsenal vs Sunderland LIVE
Arsenal have beaten Sunderland to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. With Manchester City on in action until Sunday - away at Liverpool - Arsenal have moved nine points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side thanks to a largely routine win over the Black Cats at the Emirates Stadium.
Furthermore, the Gunners are nine clear of third-placed Aston Villa after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. Martin Zubimendi followed up his goal against Leeds last week by breaking the deadlock just before the break with a fine strike from just outside the area. The Spaniard, not too long after Declan Rice went close from similar range, was afforded far too much space and his effort beat Robin Roefs before going in off both posts.
Arsenal did begin the second half in nervous fashion but Viktor Gyokeres climbed off the bench to settle things, scoring with one of his first touches and then rounded things off in stoppage time to continue his recent improvement in front of goal. Follow Arsenal vs Sunderland LIVE back with Standard Sport's dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium!
Arsenal vs Sunderland highlights
- GOAL! Gyokeres adds another
- GOAL! Gyokeres makes instant impact off the bench
- GOAL! Zubimendi breaks the deadlock
Fan reaction
17:32 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneOnly a striker truly understands another striker. #ARSSUN pic.twitter.com/J1Ni5U3uuc
— Mubaraak (@Mubaraak_05) February 7, 2026
Fan reaction
17:32 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnother three points.
— i am isaac… (@iceeirl) February 7, 2026
Zubi scoring and doing Merino’s celly made my day fr.
Gyokeres off the bench with a brace😮💨
COYG!!! #ARSSUN
Fan thoughts
17:32 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal is dominating Premier league. #ARSSUN
— Minister of AmaCIC (@Obrigado_0822) February 7, 2026
FULL-TIME!
16:59 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneA satisfactory afternoon for Arsenal, three points and three goals as they move nine clear at the Premier League summit.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland | Viktor Gyokeres ‘90+3
16:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+3 min: ARSENAL SCORE AGAIN
That rounds it off, unselfish play from Martinelli as he squares for Gyokeres who has an easy tap-in.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: SIX MINUTES of stoppage time as Mukiele heads a free-kick delivery down and over the bar.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne88 min: Trossard is back up on his feet but is replaced by Norgaard. Arteta clearly not taking any chances.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:49 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne87 min: Concern for Arsenal as Trossard is left on the ground. Not sure what happened to the Belgian but he requires treatment, and looks to be coming off as Norgaard is stripped and ready.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne85 min: Double change for Sunderland as Hume and Brobbey make way for Isidor and Angulo. It’s a debut for the latter after he signed on transfer Deadline Day at the beginning of the week.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne84 min: Hincapie wins a corner for Arsenal down the left after playing the ball off Mukiele. Gabriel and Saliba have come up for this Rice delivery but nobody can get a touch on the cross which was fantastic.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne82 min: Sunderland’s strikers are still giving Arsenal’s central defenders a tough time. If they can score the next goal then it will set up a nervy final few minutes at the Emirates.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne79 min: Into the last 11 minutes as Eze goes down in the box. Half hearted appeals for a penalty which are waved away.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
16:36 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEze has just had his first Premier League shot since he scored that hat-trick against Tottenham on November 23. Waited two and a half months for that... and then has another one ten seconds later.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne75 min: Apologies it was Sadiki who went off for Sunderland. Mukiele does look like he’s struggling as he concedes a corner which comes to nothing as Eze finds himself in a pocket of space but drags his effort wide.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne71 min: Brobbey is a handful. The Sunderland striker does well to draw a foul from Gabriel as Geertruida replaces Mukiele for the visitors who then waste a set-piece situation and end up conceding a throw deep in their own half.
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
16:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne69 min: In the aftermath of the goal from Gyokeres, Arsenal made another double change with Eze and Hincapie replacing Havertz and Calafiori.,
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
16:28 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGood finish that from Gyokeres. Falling off balance but he gets enough power on the strike to beat Roefs. That's five goals in his last eight appearances now.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland | Viktor Gyokeres ‘66
16:27 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne66 min: ARSENAL SCORE
Gyokeres holds off a challenge and fires home.
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
16:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne64 min: Slick move by Sunderland and Zubimendi makes a superb interception.
Black Cats make a change as Mundle replaces Talbi.
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
16:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne61 min: Interesting to note that Martinelli has gone over to the right-hand side. Trossard staying on the left.
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
16:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne60 min: Arsenal with a double change as Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus make way for Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
16:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne58 min: Just the six goals Sunderland have scored away from home in the Premier League this season. That record will have to change in order to leave the Emirates with anything this afternoon.
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
16:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne55 min: Looks like Arsenal have settled down after their wobbly start to the second half. Gunners just knocking the ball around, trying to take the sting out of the game.
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
16:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne53 min: Bit of confusion as Sunderland players stop in the box appealing for a foul on Ballard but nothing is given and then Havertz lashes an effort wide.
Would have been controversial had the ball ended up in the back of the net.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
16:12 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal have been all over the place at the back since half-time. Raya comes for a ball in behind and takes a big old swing at thin air, before Gabriel has to make a last-ditch sliding challenge in his own box.
Arsenal have to sort themselves out because this isn't sustainable for 40 more minutes.
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
16:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne49 min: Intricate play from Sunderland and Le Fee forces Raya into a fine save.
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
16:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne48 min: As you were for the start of the second half with both sides unchanged. Trossard looks to get on the end of Saliba’s deep cross, he does but can’t steer an effort on target and the ball goes out of play for a goal kick.
KICK-OFF
16:06 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway in north London!
Arsenal usually get the job done when leading at half-time.
Huge 45 minutes ahead.
Fan reaction
16:02 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThat was easily the worst 45 minutes I’ve seen from Saliba and Calafiori in an Arsenal shirt. Both awful. #ARSSUN
— Stephen Larkin (@StephenFLarkin) February 7, 2026
Fan reaction
15:58 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCalafiori looks rusty #ARSSUN
— FeelzButMakeItArt✏️🌚🦄 (@FeelzButArt) February 7, 2026
Fan reaction
15:54 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneA flat and disjointed half lit up by a great strike from Zubimendi. We need a second soon. Bring on Gyökeres and Martinelli #ARSSUN #PremierLeague
— BH/\K3R (@BH4K3R) February 7, 2026
HALF-TIME
15:51 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThere goes the whistle.
Arsenal lead at the break through Martin Zubimendi’s great strike from outside the area.
Sunderland very much in this.
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
15:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45+2 min: Into four minutes of stoppage time as Raya makes a save at his near post before Havertz races up the other end and curls an effort just wide. Roefs was rooted to the spot.
Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland
15:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne43 min: Jesus goes clean through, rounds Roefs but is bundled over in the area. Sunderland saved as the offside flag was raised, VAR checking this one though.
Offside confirmed!
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:44 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal needed that. A shot from distance is what it took, Zubimendi firing it in low off the inside of the post. Only Gyokeres has scored more in the league for Arsenal than him this season
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Sunderland | Martin Zubimendi ‘42
15:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne42 min: ARSENAL LEAD!
It’s taken 42 minutes but Arsenal have their breakthrough and it’s a fine strike from Zubimendi, in off the post!
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:41 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneReferee took him time giving that foul against Brobbey but eventually he does and it's a yellow card too for catching Zubimendi late and high. Not too far away from being a red.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne40 min: Brobbey booked for a late tackle on Zubimendi. Wonder if this will be reviewed by VAR?
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne39 min: Sunderland are playing some good stuff when in possession. Not just hoofing the ball up the pitch and their brave play earns a corner as Saliba gets a toe on the ball, stopping Reinildo entering the box.
Raya does well in claiming the cross, and Diarra is booked for bumping the Arsenal goalkeeper.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne36 min: Arsenal fans just getting on Raya’s back a bit and the Spaniard doesn’t help his case by gifting Sunderland possession with an aimless kick straight down the middle.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne34 min: Rice’s corner, ultimately was dealt with by the Sunderland defence, before Roefs gathers in an attempt from Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne32 min: Another Sunderland set-piece, another chance to trouble this Arsenal defence but Gabriel makes a headed clearance before the Gunners eventually manage to win a free-kick of their own.
Trossard flies forward and earns a corner. Rice to take.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:31 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal fans thought that was in from Rice and it very nearly was. It was curling back towards the far corner but not quite enough in the end, whistling wide. Shots from distance might be a good bet right now because this Sunderland defence looks very organised.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne30 min: Rice lines one up from range, it’s a great strike and it whistles past the post.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:29 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne28 min: A break in play as Le Fee gets some treatment after being caught in the face by Havertz’s elbow after the pair contested an aerial duel. Chance for Mikel Arteta to get a message across to his players.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:27 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFirst time Saliba has had someone else to think about and he's booked, dragging Diarra down after the ball is flicked over his head. Makes his task up against Brobbey more difficult now.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:27 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne26 min: Saliba gets on the wrong side of Diarra and is left with no option but to bring down the Sunderland man and earn himself a yellow card.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne25 min: Rice with Arsenal’s second corner in quick succession but Ballard makes first contact and then Trossard’s volley attempt his blocked.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne23 min: Very nearly an own goal by Sunderland as Hume slices his clearance over the bar. Easily could have sent that into his own net, instead it’s a corner for the visitors to defend and Roefs helps Madueke’s cross behind for another corner.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne21 min: Saliba clears for a throw-in but it’s Hume who takes the ball from Mukiele and his throw is well dealt with by the Arsenal defenders.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis Saliba-Brobbey battle has been an enjoyable one, with the pair wrestling every time Sunderland go long. The Arsenal man is dominating it so far - Brobbey has twice been left on the floor appealing unsuccessfully for a foul.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne18 min: Mukiele with a strong tackle on Jesus and he celebrates in front of the Sunderland supporters. They really enjoyed that before a wicked cross from Rice causes some issues in the box but Havertz can’t bring the ball under control.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne16 min: Quarter of an hour gone at the Emirates, Arsenal yet to test Robin Roefs in the Sunderland goal.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne12 min: Sunderland certainly growing in confidence since that chance for Brobbey, they are enjoying some possession and looking to hit the lone striker at every opportunity.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:09 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneRaya came, got it... and then fumbled it. Looked to be an open goal for Brobbey but Havertz did absolutely brilliantly to get back and clear it away.
Replays suggest it might have been going wide anyway but couldn't take any chances.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne8 min: Chance for Sunderland to cause some problems for Arsenal from a set-piece. Hume hangs it up, Raya comes to catch and fails, ball falls to Brobbey but Havertz makes a goalsaving clearance.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne7 min: Kai Havertz with the first big chance of the game.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne5 min: Looks like a 5-4-1 formation for Sunderland this afternoon. The onus will be on Arsenal to break down the away side.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:02 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneOnly played 20 seconds and that's a big chance for Havertz. Free header but can't get it on target. With Jesus drifting around, you'd think there will be plenty of times when Havertz is pretty much the central striker this afternoon.
Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
15:02 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne1 min: Early chance for Arsenal but Havertz plants his header wide. Should do better, he will be disappointed with that effort.
KICK-OFF!
15:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAway we go in north London!
As it stands
14:58 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal currently have a six point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
However, even with Manchester City not in action until tomorrow afternoon - away at Liverpool - victory for the Gunners today may not guarantee a nine point buffer.
That's because Aston Villa, a further point back in third, are also in action at 3pm GMT, facing Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
HERE WE GO!
14:56 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams are out at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal boost as EFL make Carabao Cup final rule change decision
14:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMarc Guehi cannot play for Manchester City against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final next month, with the EFL insisting it will not change a controversial rule mid-season that deems him ineligible.
Guehi was unable to play for City in their 3-1 semi-final second leg win over Newcastle on Wednesday night because of a rule which stated a player cannot play for two clubs in the same season of the competition if they transferred to the second club after the first leg of the semi-final.
It was between the first and second legs that Guehi moved from Crystal Palace — who he competed for earlier in the competition — and under current rules he is therefore ineligible for the final, as well as being unable to play at the Etihad on Wednesday.
Standard Sport understands there will be no rule change and the England international is therefore unable to play for City in the final on March 22 in a boost to Arsenal, City’s rivals at Wembley.
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Kick-off approaching in north London
14:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 minutes to go until kick-off at the Emirates Stadium.
Can David Raya keep a third straight clean sheet in the Premier League?
Around the grounds
14:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTwo games played in the Premier League this weekend and a further five - not including Arsenal vs Sunderland - taking place today.
Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Burnley vs West Ham
Fulham vs Everton
Wolves vs Chelsea
Newcastle vs Brentford - 5.30pm GMT
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
14:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGoalkeepers from both sides have gone into the other half during the warm-up to allow the usual drills to play out.
Can confirm they crossed the halfway line in a respectful manner so hopefully no damage done today.
Arteta explains Havertz decision
14:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneA word from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as he explains the decision to hand Kai Havertz a start.
“Everything, obviously. He provides a different kind of threat as well, in and around the box, a different profile to the other attacking midfielders that we have," Arteta said.
So, I'm very happy to have him.”
Team news reminder
14:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is how both teams will line-up today
Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Havertz, Trossard, Madueke, Jesus.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Hincapie, Eze, Martinelli, Gyokeres, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly.
Sunderland XI: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Le Fee, Sadiki, Diarra; Talbi, Brobbey.
Substitutes: Ellborg, Cirkin, O’Nien, Geertruida, Rigg, Mundle, Isidor, Angulo, Mayenda.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
14:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneStandard Sport's Matt Verri is in position for us at the Emirates Stadium and has delivered his thoughts on the Arsenal team news.
🗣 "Having him in the side really does make a huge difference for Arsenal in attack."@MattVerri gives his thoughts on the #AFC team news!
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) February 7, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/atmmDspV5H#ARSSUN pic.twitter.com/mLb7vzETHv
Sunderland changes
14:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSunderland, meanwhile, are unchanged from their win over Burnley on Monday night.
Brian Brobbey, who scored a stoppage time equaliser against Arsenal back in November, leads the line for the Black Cats.
New signing Nilson Angulo is on the bench.
Arsenal changes
14:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneKai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya all start as Mikel Arteta makes four changes from the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg win over Chelsea.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, as expected, are absent.
Fan reaction
14:11 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCalafiori back in the starting line up ❤️! Would’ve liked to see Ben White too tho #ARSSUN
— Martine Aalders (@flyhighbaby) February 7, 2026
Fan thoughts
14:09 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWhy is arteta not starting Gyokeres?#ARSSUN
— Enddybaddest🦅 (@nddyofficial) February 7, 2026
Fan reaction
14:07 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWould have kept Eze in, but so be it #ARSSUN https://t.co/MGmGwCtUBG
— mikeymike2711 (@mikeymike2711) February 7, 2026
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
14:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAs expected, Odegaard and Saka not in the squad again for Arsenal. Calafiori makes his first Premier League start since December 20 but the big call is Arteta going for Jesus over Gyokeres up front.
Should be plenty of rotation with Havertz at No10.
Sunderland team in full
14:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSunderland XI: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Le Fee, Sadiki, Diarra; Talbi, Brobbey.
Substitutes: Ellborg, Cirkin, O’Nien, Geertruida, Rigg, Mundle, Isidor, Angulo, Mayenda.
Arsenal team in full
13:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Havertz, Trossard, Madueke, Jesus.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Hincapie, Eze, Martinelli, Gyokeres, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly.
CONFIRMED SUNDERLAND TEAM NEWS
13:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLining up for the visitors this afternoon...
RLB's XI to take on Arsenal! 👊#ARSSUN pic.twitter.com/V8WAQA7z2e
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) February 7, 2026
CONFIRMED ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
13:46 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the Arsenal team selected by Mikel Arteta...
🔴 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 🤝
Arsenal vs Sunderland live - team news imminent
13:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams will be announced shortly!
Stay tuned...
Xhaka latest
13:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGranit Xhaka has issued a message on Instagram after being ruled out of a reunion with former club Arsenal.
Xhaka will miss Sunderland’s Premier League clash against Arsenal today with an ankle injury sustained in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last month.
Shortly after an update from Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris, Xhaka took to social media and posted an image of him in training with a caption that read: “Rebuilding, refocusing, returning.”
Arteta wants to continue with transfer policy
13:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta is keen for Arsenal to continue their push to strengthen at academy level.
The Gunners had a quiet January transfer window, not signing a single first-team player, but they made two additions to the academy on Deadline Day.
Jaden Dixon arrived from Stoke in a deal understood to be worth £500,000, while Scottish forward Evan Mooney joined from St Mirren for an initial £400,000.
Arsenal have been a considerable effort in recent windows to recruit at youth level, adding to the players who have come through the younger ranks at Hale End.
Arteta wants that to remain the case and made it clear to Mooney and Dixon that the pathway to the first team is there if they prove themselves good enough.
Martin Odegaard gives verdict on Arsenal quadruple bid
13:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMartin Odegaard declared Arsenal have their eyes set on "every trophy" this season as they continue their push on four fronts.
The Gunners beat Chelsea on Tuesday night to book their place in the Carabao Cup final next month, when they will face Manchester City at Wembley.
Mikel Arteta's side sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League and won all eight of their Champions League matches to cruise through to the last-16.
With a fourth-round FA Cup tie at home to Wigan to come as well, Arsenal are in a perfect position to win their first piece of silverware since 2020 and potentially lift multiple trophies this season.
Click here for the Arsenal captain's comments in full!
Arsenal can change everything in Carabao Cup final
13:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAs the run-in nears and the spotlight intensifies, all signs point towards Arsenal and Manchester City defining each other's seasons, writes Matt Verri.
At the start of the season, Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola would both have had this competition down as their fourth priority in terms of competitions.
Now, though, the Wembley final feels a particularly significant one and a match that is perhaps more important to Arsenal than it is to City, who have been there and done it before.
Predicted Arsenal XI
13:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneViktor Gyokeres will hope to keep his place over Gabriel Jesus up front, while Leandro Trossard could get the nod over Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing.
Riccardo Calafiori has not started in the Premier League since before Christmas, but the Italian is an option to come into the side and offer his unique qualities from left-back.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Havertz, Trossard; Gyokeres.
Arsenal have a huge opportunity to land decisive blow in title race
13:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIn three of the last four matchdays, Arsenal have played after Manchester City and on each occasion they slipped up.
The good news for Mikel Arteta and his players is that their match at home to Sunderland this afternoon is not one of the television picks and gets a lesser-seen 3pm slot.
Arsenal have the chance to land the first punch this weekend, a position they have relished far more than trying to counter, and it could prove to be a decisive blow.
Today's settings
13:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneA rare 3pm GMT kick-off for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal suffered their first home defeat of the season just under a fortnight ago against Manchester United, but have bounced back with wins over Kairat and Chelsea.
Sunderland, meanwhile, have not won any of their last seven Premier League away matches.
Arsenal vs Sunderland latest match odds
13:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal to win: 1/4
Sunderland to win: 10/1
Draw: 7/2
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head (h2h) history and results
12:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSunderland have held Arsenal to a couple of goalless draws in their most recent visits to the Emirates Stadium but have not won away against the Gunners since a league cup meeting in 2002.
Arsenal wins: 63
Sunderland wins: 50
Draws: 42
Arsenal vs Sunderland prediction
12:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Black Cats have struggled away from home this season, though they did claim a 2-1 win over Chelsea back in the autumn and drew at Tottenham last month.
That said, this match has the makings of a routine win for Arsenal.
Arsenal to win, 3-0.
Sunderland team news
12:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGranit Xhaka is sidelined as the Black Cats bid to take points off the league leaders for the second time this season.
However, Deadline Day signing Nilson Angulo is in contention to make his debut.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris said in the pre-match press conference: “He will arrive in the country later today. He’s played a lot, so he’s fit.
“Now it’s a case of connecting with the team and the squad. He could be available for Saturday.”
Arsenal team news
12:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal are set to be without Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard for the visit of Sunderland, though Jurrien Timber will be available for selection.
Mikel Merino is sidelined with a foot injury, while youngster Max Dowman is still a few weeks away from resuming training.
How to watch
12:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live as it lands during the 3pm Saturday blackout.
Live coverage: Follow all the action right here with Standard Sport’s live blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the Emirates.
Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from 5.15pm GMT with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.25pm.
Arsenal vs Sunderland live
12:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal vs Sunderland!
Four days removed from the euphoria of sealing a place in the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal must refocus for an important Premier League fixture.
The Gunners host this season's surprise package in Sunderland knowing a win could see them end this weekend nine points clear at the top of the table.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 3pm GMT from the Emirates Stadium. Stick with us!
