ARSENAL stormed NINE points clear at the top of the Prem — their biggest lead since they last won the title in 2004.
Martin Zubimendi’s stunner and sub Viktor Gyokeres’ late double saw the Gunners increase the gap over second-placed Manchester City, who take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
And some bookies have even started PAYING OUT on Mikel Arteta’s side to finally end their 22-year wait for title glory.
Boss Arteta, whose men travel to Brentford on Thursday, said: “It means nothing. We still have to win so many games to achieve what we want, so let’s not focus on that.
“In the meantime I will be watching a big, big game. We’ve done our job now, we’ve done what we have to do. We will assess, try to improve and get ready for Brentford.”
Arsenal are the perennial bridesmaids when it comes to league titles. Since 2004, they have been runners-up five times, three of those coming in the last three campaigns.
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No wonder there was some nerves at the Emirates. But Zubimendi got Arsenal going with a crisp long-range strike three minutes before the break.
And Gyokeres continued his excellent recent form by lashing home their second on 66 minutes.
The Swedish striker then grabbed his second and sixth in his last eight games in stoppage-time.
Gyokeres said: “There was a lot of space when we won the ball around the ball, I was aware of that.
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“The result helps — we were 1-0 up and they were chasing an equaliser.
“It’s natural you get to know everyone better, the system and things around.
“You work hard and try to help with goals.”
Arteta feels the former Sporting star is finally settling at Arsenal.
He said: “When you feel confident, when you feel important, when you feel at your best, that’s when you can really take your game to the highest level.
“We’re all really behind him in every moment to try to help him, to try to support him. He is delivering, and he’s in a really good moment now.”
Defeat continued Sunderland’s away-day woes in the top flight.
The Black Cats, who have been so impressive at home this season and remain the only unbeaten Prem team, have not won on the road since October.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris said: “They were relentless with the ability to seize the opportunities we gave them.
“We showed great personality and we were in the game until the third goal. We had opportunities and we didn’t score.
“We are still a newly promoted side and we are doing well. We were competitive in that game.
“But you have to accept it and build on the strong side of our game.
“Their depth is really important, especially with wingers and creative players because they can make the difference. They were really impressive.”
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