Arsenal secured 56 points after 25 rounds with a three-nil victory over Sunderland. Following them are Manchester City and Aston Villa, both with 47 points. This round saw Aston Villa draw away to Bournemouth, while Manchester City is set to visit defending champions Liverpool on Sunday evening.

This marks the first time the "Gunners" have established a 9-point lead since the final round of their unbeaten 2003-2004 season, when they held an 11-point advantage. That season also marked their most recent Premier League title.

Manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after Arsenal's three-nil victory over Sunderland in round 25 of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, London, England, on 7/2. Photo: AFP.

Despite the current advantage, Arteta remained cautious when questioned about it. "It holds no significance," he stated after the match at Emirates Stadium. "We still need to win many more games to achieve our goal. Arsenal focuses solely on our own work: evaluating our performance, improving, and preparing for the next fixture."

The Spanish coach confirmed he would watch the crucial clash between Manchester City and Liverpool, but Arsenal's top priority remains preparation for their upcoming match against Brentford on 12/2.

Against Sunderland, Arsenal maintained 49% possession but demonstrated greater attacking efficiency. They took 14 shots, with 5 on target, compared to the visitors' 4 shots and two on target. Martin Zubimendi's strike from outside the box gave Arteta's side the lead late in the first half. In the second half, substitute forward Viktor Gyokeres scored two goals.

Arteta lauded his substitute players, crediting their added energy and quality in the second half as crucial to Arsenal securing the win. "This was a very difficult match," he commented. "Sunderland was well-organized, played physically, and disrupted our rhythm effectively. We needed patience. Zubimendi unlocked the game with an impressive finish. Then, as the match opened up, we introduced players capable of deciding the game, and they were truly incredible."

The 43-year-old manager further emphasized the role of non-starting players, suggesting that coming off the bench can sometimes be more vital than starting. "They understand their role and are always ready to change the game's complexion," he added.

Arteta also praised Gyokeres, the forward who has now scored 13 goals across all competitions, following a challenging start since his 86 million USD transfer to Arsenal. "What makes the difference is daily consistency, from training and attitude to the desire to contribute to the team," he explained.

By Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Arsenal.com)