Much, much more like it. Muchly needed result. Muchly needed performance. Aside from the injuries to Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino (Saka actually in the warm-up) that was as perfect as a response as you could ever hope for from Mikel Arteta’s men, as they took maximum points to restore their 7 point lead at the top of the table, for a day at least!
Elland Road was bouncing at kick off and that led to a frantic opening with the home side throwing themselves into every tackle and playing at a very high tempo. Arsenal weathered the storm and soon began to take control of the game and although they weren’t peppering the Leeds’ goal, they were well on top in terms of possession and territory. At the end of a sustained spell of corners and pressure, Arsenal finally broke through and it was Martin Zubimendi – the villain of the piece (or at least one of them!) from last week – that got the goal. The Spaniard met a superb Noni Madueke cross to head home powerfully past Karl Darlow, after Leeds had only partially cleared another corner.
Arsenal doubled their lead shortly after through another dangerous Noni Madueke delivery. This time the cross came from a right wing corner and this time, it was pushed over the goal line by the sprawling Darlow than one of Madueke’s teammates, but it mattered little as Arsenal deservedly extended their lead and went in at the break 2 goals to the good.
As you would expect, Leeds came out swinging in the early stages of the second half, after making a couple of attacking substitutions at the break and although David Raya was not really tested, it was an uncomfortable experience for those of an Arsenal persuasion, as the home crowd really roared their team on. With Leeds committing men forward, you would hope that Arsenal would have more open spaces to play on the break with a chance to finish off th game and that’s exactly what happened. Gabriel Martinelli stepped off the bench to good affect, as he put in a lovely cross for Viktor Gyokeres to poke home and basically end the game as a contest. Another substitute, Gabriel Jesus, then put some icing on the cake with a fourth after taking an excellent pass from yet another substitute in Martin Odegaard and finishing well following some neat skill on the edge of the box.
Arsenal could have added a fifth late on, as Leeds lost their shape a little, but it mattered little as Arsenal send a statement to those chasing with an impressive victory in the rain in West Yorkshire and took all three points back to North London. More like this please!!
David Raya – 6
Didn’t have a great lot to do in all honesty. Claimed a few crosses well and was a calm presence at the back when dealing with Leeds’ set pieces.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Typical dynamic display from Timber as he was both strong at the back and useful in attack. Put in an absolutely lovely cross that Gabriel Jesus should have done better with.
William Saliba – 8
Stood stall among the giant Leeds players in a really physical contest. Was strong in the tackle and again excellent on the ball as he kept the attacks moving with some sharp passing and purposeful carries.
Gabriel – 8
Unsurprisingly relished the physical battle that Leeds brought to our doorstep. Headed away anything that came near and defended our box with his usual vigour and commitment. Played some lovely passes in the first half as well, as he showed his centre back colleague that he can play as well!
Piero Hincapie – 6
A quiet came from Hincapie, which is not necessarily a bad thing from a defender. Gave away a few cheap set pieces but largely defended well. In attack is where there is a real drop off from Calafiori as he offered very little in the opposition’s half.
Martin Zubimendi – 8
Showed his true colours this afternoon as he sprayed some lovely passes around midfield to get Arsenal ticking and then capped off a fine first half performance with a brightly timed run and an expertly finished header.
Kai Havertz – 7
A return to Premier League action for the big German and it was a welcomed return as he linked the play well during his 60 minutes or so on the pitch. At the other end, his strength in the air came in handy as he helped to defend against Leeds’ set pieces, something we maybe forget that we have missed during his absence. No fireworks like on Wednesday but this was a solid return to the team.
Declan Rice – 7
Played in a slightly deeper role than usual, which allowed his midfield partner Zubimendi to pull the strings. Rice did manage to display his strong running power with a couple of useful driving runs, but it was his ability to snuff out attacks that was mainly on show today, as he stopped countless Leeds’ attacks with his pressing, tackling and reading of the game.
Noni Madueke – 8 PLAYER OF THE MATCH
It can be difficult to come to a game expecting to be a substitute only to get thrown into the starting lineup with a moment’s notice, but that didn’t seem to bother Madueke one bit as he put in what is probably his best Arsenal performance to date – especially in terms of output. Helped Arsenal keep the pressure on with his quick feet and strong running, but it was his crossing that turned the game in Arsenal’s favour as he laid on the first two goals with pinpoint crosses. A top performance that was long overdue. Hopefully a turning point for the winger.
Viktor Gyokeres – 8
Made it three goals in four matches as he was in the right place to force home Martinelli’s right wing cross. Gyokeres’ all round play was also much improved as he was strong in the air and held up the ball like a true target man at times. Looks so much better with Havertz close to him. Took his tally to 11 for the season, which isn’t half as bad as some would make out.
Leandro Trossard – 7
Much the quieter of the two wide players, but played his part in the strong second half performance with his ability to keep possession and play probing passes. Feels Martinelli must be close to snatching that left wing spot though, as his form has tailed off a little in the past few weeks.
Subs:
Martin Odegaard – 7 – Lively cameo from the skipper, who seemed to be perfectly suited to the stretched nature of the game. Played a sumptuous pass to assist Jesus’ goal.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7 – Another assist for the Brazilian, who put in a performance full of pace and purpose in the unusual position of right wing. Feels like he’s knocking on the door for a start in the league.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6 – Slotted in well at left back as Arsenal saw out the game.
Gabriel Jesus – 7 – Missed a great headed chance to make an immediate impact before popping up with a really nice goal that was infinitely more difficult than his earlier miss, in true Jesus fashion!
Eberechi Eze – 6 – Came on too late to truly influence the game, but it was interesting to see him come in the left wing slot. With Havertz now a viable option in the centre, that might be Eze’s best route back into the team.
Final note – This one was more than three points and the players rose to the occasion to remind everyone (including themselves!) just how good they are. Need to push on now and start putting in these sort of performances with regularity.