Arsenal eased fears of a stumble in their bid for a first Premier League title in 22 years with a commanding 4-0 victory at Leeds on Saturday.
The Gunners extended their lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa, both in action on Sunday, to seven points as Mikel Arteta’s side took another decisive step towards the crown at Elland Road.
A shock home defeat to Manchester United last weekend had capped a run of just two points from a possible nine, prompting fresh questions about Arsenal’s mentality after finishing runners-up in each of the past three seasons.
Those doubts deepened before kick-off when Bukayo Saka was ruled out after picking up an injury in the warm-up. But his replacement, Noni Madueke, played a starring role as Arsenal inflicted only a second defeat in 12 matches on Leeds.
Madueke’s inviting cross was headed home by Martin Zubimendi to break the deadlock, and the winger caused further havoc before half-time when another dangerous delivery was parried into his own net by Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Despite their impressive recent form, Leeds remain just six points clear of the relegation zone, and their first home defeat since November was sealed after the break.
Viktor Gyokeres, much criticised earlier in the season, finished emphatically from Gabriel Martinelli’s cross to score his 11th goal since arriving from Sporting Lisbon, before substitute Gabriel Jesus rounded off the rout with a blistering strike four minutes from time.
Arsenal will now hope local rivals Tottenham can aid their title charge when City visit north London, while Villa host Brentford on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Chelsea can climb into the top four later if they continue their bright start under Liam Rosenior against West Ham at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool, meanwhile, will look to ease the pressure on Arne Slot in Saturday’s late kick-off at Anfield against Newcastle.
Everton hold Brighton
Everton snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw at Brighton thanks to Beto’s 97th-minute equaliser, a result that does little to advance either club’s hopes of securing European football next season.
Pascal Gross had earlier given Brighton the lead with his first goal since returning to the Seagulls from Borussia Dortmund.
Bournemouth eased any lingering relegation fears with a 2-0 win at bottom side Wolves, courtesy of goals from Eli Kroupi and Alex Scott. The victory lifts the Cherries to 12th, 13 points clear of the drop zone.
AFP
