Former Ballon d’Or winner Ruud Gullit hailed two Arsenal players after the Gunners’ continued their Premier League title charge with an emphatic win over Sunderland.

The Gunners, bidding to become Premier League champions for the first time since 2004, temporarily moved nine points clear of second-placed Manchester City with a 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Martin Zubimendi broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time before second-half substitute Viktor Gyokeres scored twice to put the game to bed.

Arsenal’s 17th league win of the season opened up a nine-point gap at the top of the table before Man City’s incredible comeback win over Liverpool later in the weekend.

The Gunners have matchwinners all over the pitch but ex-Chelsea captain Gullit picked out England star Noni Madueke and his Dutch compatriot Jurrien Timber for special praise.

‘One player I really like at Arsenal is Jurrien Timber,’ Gullit told Gambling Insider. ‘He is very strong and looks convincing in everything he does.

‘He is a fantastic player and one of the finest in the division, which you have to be to be a regular starter in Arsenal’s defence at the moment.

‘I saw him in the youth teams at Ajax and he was always a good, strong player. I like the way he plays.

‘He doesn’t moan, he gets on with his job and is a real team player. As well as that, he is so clever tactically and talented technically.

‘He had a real setback with that long-term injury when he first joined Arsenal, but he has bounced back from that and adapted to the Premier League so well.’

Timber has established himself as a key member of Mikel Arteta’s squad since recovering from his long injury lay-off, playing in all but one of Arsenal’s league games so far this season.

Arsenal paid almost £40m to sign Timber from Ajax in 2023 but the Netherlands international has already gone a long way to repaying that fee.

Gullit has also heaped praise on Arsenal summer signing Madueke, insisting he has been a ‘really good signing’ for Arteta.

Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal spent over £50m to sign Madueke from London rivals Chelsea but Gullit has been impressed by the 23-year-old.

‘Noni Madueke is a good player, but he is having to play second fiddle to Bukayo Saka when both players are fit,’ Gullit added.

‘If both are fit, Madueke is on the bench. When he is on the pitch, however, he is very handy and always a big threat, and I actually think one thing that stands out about him is how hard he works.

‘As much as I think he is dangerous on the ball, I think it goes unnoticed how good he is off it, helping the team. He is doing well at Arsenal and has been a really good signing for them.’

Arsenal will hope to continue their march towards the Premier League trophy on Thursday when they face London rivals Brentford. (Metro)

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