The Gunners started nervously as Leeds had the better of the early chances. However, Jesus put the league leaders ahead in the 35th minute after being fouled by Luke Ayling inside the penalty area, converting the resulting penalty.
Granit Xhaka sealed all three points for Arsenal six minutes from time
Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Arsenal beat Leeds United 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium to restore their eight-point advantage over Man City at the top of the Premier League table. The Gunners started nervously as Leeds had the better of the early chances. However, Jesus put the league leaders ahead in the 35th minute after being fouled by Luke Ayling inside the penalty area, converting the resulting penalty. Ben White doubled Arsenal’s lead early in the second half, and Jesus scored his second of the afternoon to put Arsenal 3-0 up. Rasmus Kristensen pulled one back for Leeds in the 76th minute, but Granit Xhaka sealed all three points for Arsenal six minutes from time.
Mikel Arteta was pleased with his team’s response to the challenges
The win was Arsenal’s seventh successive league victory, keeping their dreams of a first title since 2004 alive with nine games left to play. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was pleased with his team’s response to the challenges they faced in the lead up to the game. Leeds, on the other hand, dropped three places to 17th in the table, just one place above the relegation places and level on points with 18th-placed Everton. Manager Javi Gracia expressed confidence in his players to maintain their top-flight status and remain focused on preparing for the next game. The game got off to an exciting start, with Leeds testing Arsenal straight from the kick-off. Kristensen stole in on a confusion between Gabriel Magalhaes and Oleksandr Zinchenko, powering a shot towards goal. However, Aaron Ramsdale was up to the task, beating the ball to safety.
Gabriel Jesus provided the momentum for Arsenal
Leeds continued to create the better chances, with Ramsdale denying Crysencio Summerville before keeping out Jack Harrison’s strike at his near post. Arsenal were flat, and sloppy passing halted any momentum they tried to build. However, Jesus provided the momentum for Arsenal, drawing Ayling into a challenge that resulted in the penalty that put Arsenal ahead. Arsenal doubled their lead early in the second half as White turned home Martinelli’s cross for his second goal of the season. Arsenal dominated the second half, with Jesus scoring his second of the afternoon to put Arsenal 3-0 up. Leeds managed to pull a goal back with 15 minutes remaining as Kristensen’s strike beat Ramsdale after taking a deflection off Zinchenko’s back. Xhaka’s header from Martin Odegaard’s cross sealed the win for Arsenal, keeping their title hopes firmly on course.
Overall, Arsenal’s victory over Leeds was a convincing one that restored their eight-point advantage over Manchester City. The Gunners will need to maintain their winning form in the remaining nine games of the season to secure their first Premier League title in 19 years. Leeds, meanwhile, will need to focus on improving their performances to avoid relegation.