By Our Reporter
Arsenal produced a commanding display to beat Leeds United 4–0 at Elland Road on Saturday, restoring a seven-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table.
Despite a late setback before kick-off that saw Bukayo Saka withdraw with an injury, the Gunners were barely slowed. His replacement, Noni Madueke, stepped up impressively, playing a decisive role in the first two goals as Mikel Arteta’s side took firm control of the contest.
After a relatively quiet opening spell, Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. Madueke created space on the right flank and delivered an inviting cross that Martin Zubimendi met with a deft header to beat goalkeeper Karl Darlow. The goal took the sting out of the home crowd and shifted momentum firmly in Arsenal’s favour.
Leeds’ problems deepened 11 minutes later when Arsenal doubled their lead in unfortunate fashion for the hosts. Madueke’s inswinging corner caused chaos in the six-yard box, and Darlow, under pressure, could only divert the ball into his own net.
Arsenal carried their authority into the second half and made it 3–0 in the 68th minute. A slick move involving Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli ended with a precise cross into the box, where Viktor Gyökeres showed his strength and composure to score his fourth goal in six matches.
The visitors completed the rout five minutes from time through Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian forward, recently introduced from the bench, latched onto another incisive Ødegaard pass, held off his marker and fired past Darlow to seal an emphatic victory.
The win was particularly impressive given Leeds’ recent form, with the hosts having lost just once in their previous 11 league games. Arsenal, however, were clinical and composed throughout, limiting Leeds to few clear chances.
Attention now turns to midweek cup action, as Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, holding a narrow aggregate advantage. League action resumes next weekend with a home fixture before another testing away trip follows.