Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points, after defeating Leeds United 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Leeds United started well in the first half, with Cryscencio Summerville being the best player on the pitch. But it was Arsenal who went in front through a spot-kick from Brazil frontman Gabriel Jesus. He had been fouled in the area by Leeds United captain Luke Ayling before stepping up to beat Messlier from the spot.
The goal turned the tide for the hosts and they began the second half on fire. Gabriel Martinelli did well on the left hand flank and crossed the ball in the area, with Ben White firing home.
It soon turned to three as Leandro Trossard’s cross on the right hand flank was met by Gabriel Jesus, who got his brace of the day.
The visitors soon got their consolation through Kristensen but the Gunners soon smiled minutes after, as Granit Xhaka powered his header into the back of the net as Mikel Arteta’s side claimed the victory.
The result sees Arsenal register a seventh Premier League win on the bounce and now lead closest challengers Manchester City by eight points, albeit having played a game more.
🔴 Live Blog:
FULL-TIME AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 4-1 Leeds United
GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 4-1 Leeds United (G. Xhaka)
84′ MIN: A wonderful team buildup sees Bukayo Saka square the ball to skipper Martin Odegaard who them crosses for Granit Xhaka to head home.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 3-1 Leeds United (Kristensen)
76′ MIN: Leeds United pull one back against the run of play through Kristensen.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 3-0 Leeds United (G. Jesus)
55′ MIN: Leandro Trossard does well to hold up the ball and his subsequent cross is poked in by Gabriel Jesus.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 2-0 Leeds United (B. White)
47′ MIN: Great start to the second half by the Gunners! Gabriel Martinelli sends a cross into the area after getting past Luke Ayling and Ben White rifles his shot which ricochets off the crossbar and into the net.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 1-0 Leeds United
HALF-TIME AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 1-0 Leeds United
GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 1-0 Leeds United (G. Jesus)
35′ MIN: Gabriel Jesus dusts himself up and coolly converts the spot-kick from twelve yards to give the Gunners the lead.
PENALTY!!! For Arsenal
32′ MIN: Leeds United skipper Luke Ayling fouls Gabriel Jesus and the referee signals for a penalty.
KICK-OFF AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 0-0 Leeds United
Matchday 29 of the Premier League has already kicked off with a bang as reigning champions Manchester City thumped Merseyside outfit Liverpool 4-1 at the Etihad as Pep Guardiola’s side reduced the points deficit from eight to five.
The onus now lies with Mikel Arteta and his lads, as the season enters squeaky bum time. If the Gunners are to win a first top-flight title in 19 years, victory this afternoon is a must.
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