Arsenal underlined their dominance at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic 4-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road, re-open a seven-point gap in the EPL title race .
The Gunners were forced into a late change before kick-off after Bukayo Saka suffered an issue during the warm-up, but his replacement, Noni Madueke, rose to the occasion with a decisive performance.
Madueke provided the assist for Martin Zubimendi’s opening goal and later swung in the corner that resulted in an own goal by Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, handing Arsenal a comfortable 2-0 advantage by halftime.
“It was disappointing to lose Saka before kick-off, but Noni showed great composure and creativity,” manager Mikel Arteta said.
After the break, Viktor Gyokeres added Arsenal’s third on 69 minutes, outmuscling the Leeds defense to continue a remarkable run of form with his fourth goal in six games.
Gabriel Jesus capped the scoring late on, converting a precise Martin Ødegaard pass to complete a memorable four-goal performance and his fourth goal in as many games against Leeds.
● Gyokeres, Jesus on Target
Madueke’s influence was clear throughout. After a quiet start, he orchestrated the first goal, delivering a teasing cross for Zubimendi to flick past Darlow.
His corner for the second goal saw chaos in the Leeds box, with Darlow inadvertently turning the ball into his own net.
The Swedish striker’s power and timing proved decisive, as he finished off a clinical team move to make it 3-0. The goal marked Arsenal’s seventh consecutive win at Elland Road, stretching back 25 years.
Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus added the fourth with a composed finish after some fine interplay with Ødegaard.
The goal underscored his excellent record against Leeds and rounded off an emphatic team performance.
● Looking Ahead
Arsenal now turn their attention back to the Carabao Cup, hosting Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday for the semi-final second leg. League action resumes next weekend at home against Sunderland, before a midweek trip to Brentford on February 12.
The result not only tightened Arsenal’s hold on the Premier League top spot but also served as a strong statement of intent, underlining their ambition to assert dominance on both the domestic front and across cup competitions this season.
