Losing Bukayo Saka to injury in the warm up was far from ideal but Arsenal surged to a 4-0 win at Leeds United on Saturday to get back to winning ways in impressive fashion.
WATCH — Full match replay
Martin Zubimendi’s header put them ahead in the first half then the excellent Noni Madueke had his corner punched into his own net by Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus both scored late in the second half to add extra gloss to the scoreline and Arsenal were superb as Leeds just never got going.
MORE — Mikel Arteta reaction on win, Saka’s injury
With the win their lead atop the table was momentarily extended to seven points as they have 53. Leeds lost for just the second time in 11 Premier League games and remain on 26 points.
Gunners answer their critics with dominant display as Madueke stands tall
Going to Leeds is never easy and especially not in the kind of form they are in. But Arsenal handled it with ease as Arteta’s entire squad stood up and showed an incredible reaction. They never looked like conceding and even after the blow of losing Bukayo Saka in the warm up, they didn’t waver. Crosses kept coming in, they did the dirty work in midfield and they pummeled Leeds in so many different ways. Arsenal’s intensity was too much for the hosts to handle. Both Gyokeres and Jesus scored off the bench and Noni Madueke summed up this perfect team display. He came into the starting lineup late on for Saka and was crucial in both of Arsenal’s opening goals. Madueke took his chance to impress and proved, just like they did early in the season, that Arsenal’s entire squad is ready to stand tall. There will be tougher tests ahead as they aim to win this Premier League title but after a poor run of results this was a very welcome win, and performance, for Arsenal to build on. They’re back.
What’s next?
Leeds host Nottingham Forest on Friday, February 6. Arsenal host Chelsea in the second leg of their League Cup semifinal on Tuesday (they lead 3-2 from the first leg) and then host Sunderland on Saturday.
Leeds vs Arsenal score: 0-4
Zubimendi 27', Darlow OG 38', Gyokeres 70', Jesus 86'
Leeds vs Arsenal live updates! — By Joe Prince-Wright
Gabriel Jesus gets his goal!
Arsenal’s subs have been superb and Gabriel Jesus finishes brilliantly and celebrates in front of the Arsenal fans. Great turn and low finish from the Brazilian striker after being played in by a fellow sub Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal pushing for a fourth now
They are whipping in so many dangerous crosses to the box and this time Gabriel Jesus sends a powerful header on target which Darlow pushes over.
Gyokeres with a fine finish to seal the win!
Gabriel Martinelli has been exceptional since coming on and he causes problems down the right, then whip in a fantastic cross to the back post. Viktor Gyokeres is there and he finishes superbly. Game. Set. Match.
Okafor on at half time, as Leeds push for a way back into the game
Leeds have brought on Okafor for Justin at half time and it appears they’re going to play two up front to try and rattle Arsenal. A header from a corner is saved by Raya as Leeds are trying their best to get back in the game.
Half time: Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
The Gunners are cruising after two goals from crosses into the box. Madueke has been sensational as he supplied the assist for the first and his corner basically went in for the second goal. After losing Saka to injury in the warm up and Madueke coming in at the last minute, he has certainly taken his chance and stepped up when Arsenal needed him. Leeds have tried their best but they haven’t been able to create any chances going forward.
Madueke’s corner goes straight in via Darlow!
Noni Madueke’s corner to the near post is punched into his own net by Karl Darlow. Calvert-Lewin and Justin were in front of him, but he should do better. Still, what a delivery from Madueke. Another goal from a corner for Arsenal!
Zubimendi flicks home!
Madueke, in for the injured Saka, whips in a delightful cross which Martin Zubimendi flicks home with his head. Arsenal lead after converting their first big chance of the game.
Arsenal struggling to gain control
Arteta’s side are trying to get their combinations going on the ball but they are lacking some zip. Leeds can sense it and their fans are feeding off it.
Ampadu smashes just over
What a hit from Leeds’ Welsh star as he spanks a shot just over the bar. The home fans are getting right behind their team here.
Saka out and Madueke in
Bukayo Saka went down with an injury in the warm up and Noni Madueke is in. Before we’ve even kicked off, drama at Elland Road.
Leeds lineup
Darlow; Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Bogle, Ampadu, Gruev, Justin; Stach, Aaronson; Calvert-Lewin
Arsenal lineup
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Havertz, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
Leeds United team news, focus
OUT Jaka Bikol (thigh), Daniel James (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Gabriel Gudmundsson (groin), Lukas Nmecha (thigh)
Arsenal team news, focus
OUT: Max Dowman (ankle)
Leeds vs Arsenal preview - By Nick Mendola
The Gunners hold a four-point lead over Man City and Aston Villa heading into the weekend, and they’ve love to grow that to seven before their two closest chasers kickoff later in the weekend. The task at hand is a lot more difficult than it looked prior to the season, as Daniel Farke’s promoted Leeds have made a habit of taking unexpected points this season.
Leeds have lost just once since the calendar turned to December and boast a 3W-6D-1L record in that stretch which includes a win over Chelsea, two draws with Liverpool, and a draw with Manchester United.
Leeds vs Arsenal prediction
The Gunners attack is healthy and if their explosion is coming soon. That’s not to say they’ll snap out of it straightaway, but their slow run of form combined with Leeds’ stunning record against the big boys gives this the aire of regression to the norm. Team “2-nil to the title” returning this weekend?. Leeds 0-2 Arsenal.
How to watch Leeds vs Arsenal live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday, January 31
Venue: Elland Road — Beeston
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch on USA Network
