Arsenal restored their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League by smashing Leeds United for four, with Noni Madueke stepping up brilliantly after Bukayo Saka’s warm-up injury
Arsenal restored their seven-point advantage at the Premier League summit with a thoroughly impressive triumph on the road at Leeds United.
Following last weekend’s setback with a 3-2 loss to Manchester United, it was crucial that Mikel Arteta’s troops bounced back, and they delivered magnificently. Bukayo Saka suffered an injury during the warm-up and was substituted in the starting line-up by Noni Madueke. It was the right winger, though, who orchestrated the opening goal, delivering a cross at the second time of asking for Martin Zubimendi to nod beyond Karl Darlow.
Madueke was once more instrumental in the second strike, his curled corner deflected into his own net by Darlow as he attempted to clear it. Viktor Gyokeres later netted his sixth league strike of the campaign, throwing himself at substitute Gabriel Martinelli’s delivery. Gabriel Jesus entered from the substitutes’ bench and also bagged in a fine afternoon for Mikel Arteta. Here is how football.london assessed the displays of the Arsenal players.
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Arsenal
David Raya – Wasn’t called upon frequently in the opening period but faced a Pascal Struijk header early in the second half which he handled admirably. 7.
Jurrien Timber – Excellent contribution down the right wing to unlock Leeds, linked up brilliantly with Noni Madueke. He also delivered some superb deliveries and ought to have registered an assist from Jesus. 8
William Saliba – Faced the challenge of dealing with Dominic Calvert-Lewin throughout the match and executed brilliantly. 8.
Gabriel – Remained towering, powerful and steadfast for the entire contest, completely untroubled by any challenge thrown his way in a superb showing. 8.
Piero Hincapie – A gritty display from the left-back, coming up against some tricky wingers. Failed to make the same impact as his opposite number on the right flank, though. 7.
Martin Zubimendi – Effort from the edge of the Leeds penalty area comfortably gathered by Darlow. Nevertheless, it was his header from Madueke’s delivery that was steered into the back of the net.
Superb reaction following his error last week. 8.
Declan Rice – Celebrating his 300th Premier League outing, there were some genuinely impressive, incisive passes, including picking out Madueke in the build-up for the opener. Ought to have claimed an assist when he teed up Jesus as well. 8.
Kai Havertz – Getting his first league start since returning to the squad, he wasn’t greatly involved during the opening period, completing merely four passes. Nevertheless, he grafted tirelessly and disrupted play effectively, whilst also offering additional defensive protection and producing some crucial clearances from dead balls. 6.
Noni Madueke – Magnificent whipped delivery to hand the Gunners the advantage in the first period, after watching the original corner get cleared away. It was subsequently his corner that Darlow couldn’t handle properly, punching it off his own upright and into the goal. 8
Viktor Gyokeres – He was handed a golden opportunity by Trossard in the second half, but hesitated too long before shooting, allowing Joe Rodon to block. However, he redeemed himself by connecting with Martinelli’s cross with an outstretched leg. 8.
Leandro Trossard – Delivered a superb pass in the second half to his Swedish teammate, deserving of an assist. Although that was his only significant contribution, he did manage to trouble the Leeds defence. 7.
Substitutes
Martin Odegaard – Took over from Kai Havertz in the centre of the pitch. He delivered a neat pass down the right to Martinelli, setting up the third goal. His solid performance under pressure was further enhanced by his assist for Jesus’ fourth goal. 8.
Gabriel Martinelli – Replaced Noni Madueke and took on the less familiar role of right winger. Initially gave away a needless corner to Leeds, but luckily wasn’t punished for it.
He made amends with a fantastic left-footed cross that found Gyokeres’ outstretched leg. A positive impact from the bench in an unfamiliar position. 7.
Gabriel Jesus – Subbed in for Gyokeres and was presented with a great scoring opportunity by Rice, who set him up perfectly, only for the Brazilian to miss the target. Then came a headed chance, unchallenged, but straight at the keeper.
However, he finally found the back of the net with the most difficult chance, displaying great control, a swift turn and a curling finish. 7.
Riccardo Calafiori – Pleasing to witness his return to action in the left-back position and has put himself in a strong position to feature from the start in midweek against Chelsea. 6.
Eberechi Eze – Entered the fray for the final ten minutes with minimal impact on proceedings. N/A.
By staronline@reachplc.com (Neil Docking, Tom Canton)
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