Leeds: Arsenal delivered a commanding response to recent doubts over their title credentials, sweeping aside Leeds United 4–0 at Elland Road to reinforce their push for a first Premier League crown in 22 years.
After a brief wobble that included a shock home defeat to Manchester United and a return of just two points from their previous three league outings, Mikel Arteta’s side arrived in Yorkshire under scrutiny. But the Gunners showed no sign of nerves, producing a ruthless display that lifted them seven points clear at the top of the table ahead of Sunday fixtures involving title rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa.
The visitors were forced into a late change before kick-off when Bukayo Saka was ruled out after picking up an injury during the warm-up. However, his replacement, Noni Madueke, seized the opportunity and played a decisive role in dismantling Leeds’ resistance.
Arsenal broke the deadlock when Madueke whipped in a precise cross that was powerfully headed home by Martin Zubimendi, setting the tone for a dominant first half. Leeds struggled to cope with Arsenal’s pace and movement, and matters worsened just before the interval when goalkeeper Karl Darlow could only divert another dangerous Madueke delivery into his own net.
Despite coming into the match in strong form, Leeds found themselves second best for long spells and suffered only their second defeat in 12 league games. The loss also marked their first home setback since November, leaving them still hovering uncomfortably close to the relegation battle, just six points above the drop zone.
Any lingering hope of a comeback was extinguished midway through the second half when Viktor Gyokeres, who has faced criticism since his arrival, finished emphatically from Gabriel Martinelli’s cross to score his 11th goal since joining from Sporting Lisbon. Substitute Gabriel Jesus added the finishing touch late on, firing in a thunderous strike four minutes from time to complete a comprehensive victory.
The result further strengthens Arsenal’s position at the summit as they await the outcome of Manchester City’s trip to north London to face Tottenham, while Aston Villa host Brentford. With momentum back on their side, Arteta’s men appear determined to avoid another near miss after finishing runners-up for the past three seasons.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Chelsea have the chance to move into the top four if they continue their encouraging start under Liam Rosenior against West Ham at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool, meanwhile, look to relieve growing pressure on manager Arne Slot when they welcome Newcastle to Anfield in Saturday’s late kick-off.
At the Amex Stadium, Everton salvaged a dramatic 1–1 draw against Brighton thanks to Beto’s stoppage-time equaliser in the 97th minute, a result that does little to advance either club’s European ambitions. Pascal Gross had earlier put Brighton ahead with his first goal since returning from Borussia Dortmund.
Bournemouth all but secured their Premier League status with a crucial 2–0 victory away to bottom club Wolves. Goals from Eli Kroupi and Alex Scott lifted the Cherries to 12th place, moving them 13 points clear of the relegation zone and easing any lingering fears of being dragged into a survival scrap.