Arsenal go nine points clear with 3-0 win against Sunderland as Palmer hat-trick fires Chelsea past Wolves

Arsenal strengthened their grip on the Premier League title race with a convincing 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, stretching their lead at the summit to nine points.

The victory, Arsenal’s fourth in a row in all competitions, took them to 56 points – nine clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa, who are both on 47. City occupy second place on goal difference and face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, while Villa were held to a 1-1 draw at AFC Bournemouth.

The game was closely fought for much of the first half until Martin Zubimendi broke the deadlock in the 40th minute with a precise low strike that went in off the post. It was the Spaniard’s fifth league goal of the season.

Arsenal nearly scored in the opening seconds when Leandro Trossard’s cross found Kai Havertz unmarked, but the forward headed wide. Sunderland also threatened, with Trai Hume nearly diverting a cross into his own net and Declan Rice seeing a long-range effort drift narrowly past the post.

The second half belonged to substitute Viktor Gyökeres, who made an instant impact. He doubled Arsenal’s lead midway through the half, finishing emphatically from Havertz’s pass shortly after coming on. The striker then wrapped up the scoring in stoppage time, sliding in Gabriel Martinelli’s cross to record his 13th goal of the season.

Arsenal’s defensive solidity was also evident, as they recorded their 21st clean sheet across all competitions — already more than last season’s total.

Sunderland did test the hosts early in the second half, forcing David Raya into a save through Chemsdine Talbi, while Gabriel produced a vital challenge to deny an equalising chance. A potential Arsenal penalty was ruled out after VAR spotted Gabriel Jesus marginally offside in the build-up.

Arsenal now turn their attention to a midweek trip to Brentford before hosting Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, at Molineux, Cole Palmer inspired Chelsea to a 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers with a superb first-half hat-trick.

Chelsea went ahead when João Pedro was fouled in the area by Matt Doherty, allowing Palmer to convert from the penalty spot. Wolves goalkeeper José Sá made several saves to keep the scoreline respectable, but Chelsea’s pressure told again when Yerson Mosquera fouled Pedro for a second penalty, which Palmer dispatched with ease.

Palmer completed his hat-trick just three minutes later, finishing from close range after connecting with Marc Cucurella’s cross.

Wolves attempted a response after the break. Mateus Mané struck the post before debutant Adam Armstrong assisted Tolu Arokodare for a consolation goal. However, the hosts were unable to mount a comeback.

Chelsea’s win lifts them to fifth place, just one point off the Champions League qualification spots, while Wolves remain entrenched in the relegation zone with 19 league defeats.

In other results, Manchester United defeated 10-man Tottenham 2-0 to climb into fourth, Everton rallied to beat Fulham 2-1, and West Ham boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 victory over Burnley.