GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland (Gyokeres, 66)

TWO GOALS IN TWO PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR GYOKERES!

It’s Sunderland’s own doing. They are slow and get crowded out on the left hand side. The attempted clearance falls straight to a red shirt and two passes later, the ball is at Gyokeres’ feet.

He’s falling over as he strikes it, but the power beats Roefs and doubles Arsenal’s lead.

GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland (Gyokeres, 66)

TWO GOALS IN TWO PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR GYOKERES!

It’s Sunderland’s own doing. They are slow and get crowded out on the left hand side. The attempted clearance falls straight to a red shirt and two passes later, the ball is at Gyokeres’ feet.

He’s falling over as he strikes it, but the power beats Roefs and doubles Arsenal’s leArsenal vs Sunderland LIVE! Premier League match updates, news, score and highlights

Saturday 7 February 2026 15:44, UK

Second Half: Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland

Gyokeres finish gives hosts breathing space View post

Super Zubimendi strike gave Gunners lead View post

Havertz blocked Brobbey strike after error from Raya View post

Teams | Live PL table | Latest: Arsenal | Sunderland

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Live commentary by Callum Bishop and Oliver Yewad.

Here’s a predicted lineup preview and head-to-head context for Arsenal vs Sunderland (Premier League, February 7, 2026), based on the latest team news and expert projections:

Arsenal vs. Sunderland: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

Arsenal XI vs Sunderland: Predicted lineup and confirmed team news

🔴 Arsenal – Predicted XI (likely 4-3-3 or variation)

Formation: 4-3-3 (attack-minded but balanced)

GK: David Raya – in line with most predictions as the starter. �

Opta Analyst

RB: Ben White / Jurrien Timber – Timber available and likely involved. �

The Standard

CBs: William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães – key defensive pairing. �

Opta Analyst

LB: Riccardo Calafiori – expected on the left if fit. �

Opta Analyst

Midfield: Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, (Eze / Kai Havertz) – core engine-room. �

Opta Analyst

Attack: Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres / Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard – wide support and central striker. �

Opta Analyst +1

⚠️ Injury/doubt notes:

• Bukayo Saka is out or a major doubt (hip). �

• Martin Ødegaard also doubtful. �

• Mikel Merino is ruled out long-term. �

The Sun

The Standard

Reuters

This means Arsenal might rotate slightly from their ideal XI and lean on depth in midfield/wing positions. �

Arsenal News

⚫ Sunderland – Predicted XI (likely 4-2-3-1 / 4-4-2)

Formation: Common projection ~4-2-3-1

GK: Robin Roefs – a consistent selection in predictions. �

Roker Report

Defenders: Nordi Mukiele (RB), Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo Mandava (LB). �

Roker Report

Midfield base: Lutsharel Geertruida, Noah Sadiki (wing/back roles), Trai Hume, Chemsdine Talbi – energetic across midfield/wing. �

Roker Report

Attacking midfield / support: Enzo Le Fée – creative hub behind striker. �

Roker Report

Striker: Brian Brobbey – focal point up top. �

Roker Report

⚠️ Absences:

• Granit Xhaka is unavailable (ankle), a big miss in midfield. �

Reuters

Sunderland’s shape may vary (some outlets predict five at the back), but the core XI revolves around Brobbey and ball-winners behind him. �

Forebet Predictions

📊 Arsenal vs Sunderland – Head-to-Head Context

Historically, Sunderland have not beaten Arsenal in 16 Premier League away games (D5 L11). �

Opta Analyst

Arsenal are unbeaten in 18 top-flight home games against Sunderland (W13 D5). �

Opta Analyst

The reverse fixture this season finished 2-2, showing Sunderland can trouble Arsenal. �

Opta Analyst

⚽ Quick Summary – Predicted Lineups

Arsenal (4-3-3):

Raya; White/Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze/Havertz; Madueke, Gyökeres/Jesus, Trossard. �

Opta Analyst

Sunderland (4-2-3-1):

Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Geertruida, Sadiki; Hume, Le Fée, Talbi; Brobbey. �

Roker Report

If you want bench predictions and tactical setup breakdowns for each side (e.g., subs + formation tweaks), let me know!

Cucurella stunned everyone after the bitter defeat against Arsenal by declaring: “I don’t respect Declan Rice and his team; they won because they cheated,” sparking a major wave of controversy. This hard-hitting statement sent shockwaves through the football world and ignited a heated debate among fans. However, it was Declan Rice’s response that truly left Arsenal supporters and the British media astonished — a short but powerful reply of just five words, enough to draw thunderous applause.

The dust had barely settled on Arsenal’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium on February 3, 2026 — a result that secured a 4-2 aggregate win and a place in the final at Wembley — when the post-match fireworks truly began. Kai Havertz’s 97th-minute winner, a composed finish after a clinical counter-attack led by Declan Rice, had already haunted his former club and sent Arsenal fans into raptures. But it was Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella’s explosive interview that turned a hard-fought cup tie into a full-blown controversy.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, visibly frustrated after a performance where he made several key blocks but ultimately couldn’t prevent the late heartbreak, Cucurella didn’t hold back. “I don’t respect Declan Rice and his team; they won because they cheated,” he declared, his words dripping with bitterness. The Spaniard went on to allege that Arsenal had benefited from “questionable decisions” throughout the tie, pointing vaguely to moments in both legs where he felt the Gunners had escaped scrutiny.

While he stopped short of specifying exact incidents — no clear penalty denials or red-card controversies dominated the headlines from the match — his accusation landed like a grenade in the already heated London derby atmosphere.

The comments spread like wildfire across social media and sports outlets within minutes. Chelsea supporters, still reeling from the defeat, rallied behind Cucurella’s passion, with many echoing his sentiments about perceived injustices in big games against Arsenal. On the other side, Arsenal fans dismissed it as sour grapes from a player whose side had committed numbers forward in vain and paid the price on the break. Pundits debated whether Cucurella’s outburst crossed a line or was simply the raw emotion of a competitor who felt his team deserved more from a disciplined, if not spectacular, performance.



Chelsea had pushed hard in the second half under manager Liam Rosenior, introducing attacking options like Cole Palmer and Estêvão while shifting shape to chase an equalizer. But Arsenal’s defense, anchored by Gabriel and William Saliba, held firm, and when the Blues overcommitted, Rice — the former West Ham captain now pulling the strings in midfield — spotted the space. He carried the ball forward from halfway and delivered a precise pass to Havertz, who rounded Robert Sánchez with ease to seal the deal.

It was a moment of quality that exposed Chelsea’s tactical gamble, but for Cucurella, it apparently confirmed deeper grievances.

The real turning point, however, came in Declan Rice’s response. Asked about Cucurella’s remarks during his post-match interview, Rice paused briefly, looked straight at the camera, and delivered a measured five-word reply that instantly went viral: “We just played better football.”

Simple. Direct. Devastating in its calm dismissal.

No anger, no retaliation, no fuel added to the fire. Just a quiet assertion of superiority on the night and a refusal to engage in the mud-slinging. Arsenal supporters erupted in applause across platforms, hailing Rice’s class and composure. British media outlets ran headlines praising the England international for rising above the provocation, with many noting how his words cut deeper than any heated comeback could have.

“Rice’s five-word masterclass silences Cucurella,” one tabloid declared, while analysts pointed out that the midfielder had not only orchestrated the winning move but also handled the aftermath with the maturity of a true leader.

Rice’s response perfectly encapsulated Arsenal’s season under Mikel Arteta: focused, professional, and unwilling to be dragged into distractions. The Gunners had defended resolutely, frustrated Chelsea’s attacks, and struck ruthlessly when the opportunity arose. Havertz’s goal — his celebration pointing to the badge drawing its own ire earlier — was the punctuation mark, but Rice’s cool-headed retort became the defining soundbite.

For Chelsea, the exit stings. They matched Arsenal for long periods, created half-chances, and showed fight, but ultimately lacked the cutting edge. Rosenior will take positives from the performance, but questions will linger about why they couldn’t break down a stubborn Arsenal rearguard. Cucurella’s comments, while passionate, risk overshadowing those efforts and inviting scrutiny from the FA if deemed to bring the game into disrepute.

For Chelsea, the exit stings. They matched Arsenal for long periods, created half-chances, and showed fight, but ultimately lacked the cutting edge. Rosenior will take positives from the performance, but questions will linger about why they couldn’t break down a stubborn Arsenal rearguard. Cucurella’s comments, while passionate, risk overshadowing those efforts and inviting scrutiny from the FA if deemed to bring the game into disrepute.

As Arsenal look ahead to the final — against either Manchester City or Newcastle — the focus returns to silverware. This semi-final will be remembered for Havertz’s dagger, Cucurella’s outburst, and Rice’s masterful five-word shutdown. In football, sometimes less is more, and Rice proved that once again.

Arsenal march on to Wembley with momentum, class, and — thanks to their midfield general — the last word.