Title Race Over? Paddy Power Pays Out Early on Arsenal After Dominant Sunderland Victory
Arsenal fans are buzzing after bookmakers Paddy Power made a bold move: they’ve paid out winning bets on the Gunners lifting the Premier League title this season — and there’s still over a third of the 2025/26 campaign left to play.
Mikel Arteta‘s side produced a clinical performance at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, February 7, 2026, beating Sunderland 3-0 to stretch their lead at the top to nine points. With Manchester City still to play Liverpool at Anfield the following day and 13 matchweeks remaining, Paddy Power decided the race was as good as done.
Arsenal’s Convincing Win Over Sunderland
The result looked comfortable on paper, but Sunderland made life tough in the first half, pressing high and creating chances. Arsenal weathered the storm and struck just before the break.
Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a powerful low drive from distance that flew past Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs. The goal settled any nerves in north London.
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After the interval, substitute Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench to make the difference. He netted twice — first in the 65th minute and then again in stoppage time (90+2) — to seal a convincing victory and send the Emirates into raptures.
This win marked the first time since the final day of the famous 2003/04 Invincibles season that Arsenal have sat nine points clear at the Premier League summit.
Paddy Power’s Early Payout Decision
Paddy Power didn’t hesitate. They settled all bets on Arsenal to win the Premier League outright, despite the long road ahead.
Before the season kicked off, Arsenal were available at 5/2 to claim the title. Liverpool started as favourites at 15/8, with Manchester City priced at 2/1.
But with Arsenal now holding a commanding nine-point cushion, Paddy Power’s view is clear: no team — not City, not anyone else — looks likely to catch them.
Speaking about the early payout, Paddy Power commented:
“We can’t promise this will stop Arsenal fans from fretting online about every single referee decision that doesn’t go their way being part of some great big conspiracy, but hopefully it will put a few minds at rest in north London at least.
“It would take a c**k-up of Tottenham-esque levels for the Gunners not to win the Premier League title from here. Surely nothing can possibly go wrong now, right?”
The cheeky dig at their north London rivals drew plenty of reactions online, but it underlines just how confident the bookies are feeling.
What’s Next for Arsenal in the Title Push?
While Paddy Power may have already crowned them champions in the betting world, Mikel Arteta and his players know there’s plenty of work left. Thirteen Premier League games remain, plus potential runs in the Champions League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup.
Arsenal’s immediate schedule includes:
- A tricky away trip to in-form Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Thursday, February 12.
- An FA Cup tie against Wigan Athletic three days later.
- A visit from rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers.
- The always-intense north London derby away at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
March brings even more pressure, including a Carabao Cup final showdown with Manchester City.
Can Anyone Catch Arsenal Now?
A nine-point lead with 13 games to go is a huge advantage in the Premier League. Manchester City face a tough test against Liverpool next, and any slip could make the gap even bigger.
For Arsenal supporters, this early payout from Paddy Power feels like sweet validation after years of near-misses. Their first league title since 2003/04 is within touching distance — but the team will need to stay focused through a demanding run of fixtures.
For now, though, north London is celebrating. The bookies have spoken, the points are in the bank, and Arsenal look unstoppable.
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Title Race Over? Paddy Power Pays Out Early on Arsenal After Dominant Sunderland Victory