Arsenal produced a spirited comeback to see off Leeds United and go joint-top of the Premier League.
The Gunners were 1-0 down at the hour mark but roared back and scored twice in the space of eight minutes to turn the game on its head. The win, a fifth in six in the league, sees the champions move level on points with Manchester City, who remain first on goal difference.
Mikel Arteta, fresh from celebrating a bumper new contract, will be pleased with the reaction his side showed especially after their last game – a sobering 3-0 loss to Brighton before the international break.
The first half at the Emirates was a non-affair, in truth. Chances were few and far between although it was the visitors who probably edged it. Coming into this match Daniel Farke’s side were full of confidence, and rightly so after an impressive and unbeaten opening to the campaign.
Gabriel Gudmundsson came closest, with the defender’s powerful effort parried away by David Raya in the Arsenal goal.
The game opened up after the restart and it would be Leeds who grabbed the game’s first goal. James Justin rifled in a powerful shot from a pull-back to send the thousands of travelling fans into raptures.
Prior to that Ao Tanaka’s effort was tipped over by Raya, who was being overworked.
After conceding, the hosts managed to settle down and didn’t take too long to get back on level terms although it was as scrappy a goal as you’re likely to see. Ben White got up highest at the back post and nodded the ball across goal where Riccardo Calafiori was loitering. The Italian then didn’t apply a clean contact to the ball but it was still enough to beat the clumsy attempt at a save from Leeds stopper James Trafford.
The hosts then made a triple change and one of them, Bruno Guimaraes, produced what proved to be the winner. The Brazilian rifled home from just outside the box after a lovely lay-off from Declan Rice.
Bukayo Saka could and probably should have increased the margin of victory but in the end Arsenal did enough to seal the three points.
Speaking post-match, Arteta reflected: “Before the game we talked about two things. One, the challenge ahead because Leeds had not lost in the Premier League and it was going to be really tough. And second one, to restore our identity and be ourselves again, regardless of the context of the match. We weren’t pleased against Brighton and today was an opportunity to put that right. We certainly reacted in the manner we expected.”
Leeds chief Farke said: “I’m heartbroken for my lads because they showed an excellent performance. I’m disappointed we didn’t take something from the game.”
