Lethal Against Leeds

Newly promoted Leeds United needed little time to adjust to the Premier League after beating Everton the week prior. A 1-0 victory saw them grab all three points and a dash of momentum. Arsenal pulverised that momentum. Having said that, it took a while for the Gunners to actually get going in this one.

Arsenal came into this off the back of a 1-0 victory against Manchester United, at Old Trafford. A good result however you look at it, but there was some clear issues in the overall peformance. Issues that United should've taken advantage of, but ultimately didn't. Viktor Gyokeres was heavily scrutinised for his debut, so much of the attention was on him to deliver the goods in a game that Arsenal should be running away with. Aside from Gyokeres, the whole team needed an attitude change and Leeds United just happened to be the victim.

Arsenal started the game strong, creating a number of chances, but nothing that would be considered troubling for Leeds United. The first real shot on target actually fell to Leeds defender Pascal Struijk who powered a header at goal, only for David Raya to meet it with a very strong hand. The events following felt a bit flat from an Arsenal perspective. Leeds were given a sense of encouragement to string some passes together and give Arsenal a few problems. Leeds were strong at the back, and teasing going forward. A big chance did fall to Viktor Gyokeres after a mistake at the back, unfortunately he snapped at the shot and put it well wide despite having more room than he thought.

The first goal was a welcome relief. Jurrien Timber leaping highest from a Declan Rice corner. Yes, a corner, again. Doesn't matter how they come, just that the goals come. But, pain struck as Martin Odegaard had to trudge off with a shoulder injury after landing awkwardly earlier on. Ethan Nwaneri was introduced and rather subtly changed the game. Odegaard seemed to skim around the edges of the Leeds press, but Nwaneri wanted to be in the middle of it, comfortably receiving balls between the line. Although not everything worked out, the intensity rose. Arsenal were rewarded with a goal soon after and on the stroke of half time. Nwaneri almost wriggled through some challenges, but Rice was on hand to halt a counter, Zubimendi was alert to gather the stray ball and pop it into Timber's feet. Saka made an excellent run in behind and Timber found him, Saka then rifled the ball into the top of the net.

The second half started how the first finished, Arsenal in charge. 3 minutes after the restart and the third went in. Gyokeres making sure the claims of him not being able to adjust to the Premier League were put to bed. Picking the ball up on the left and driving inside, cutting away from a defender and teeing himself up for a lovely near-post finish. The fourth goal arrived in close proximity and it was again Timber with the finish off a corner. However, moments before the fourth goal, Saka limped off with an injury. This has of course sparked serious concern amongst the Arsenal fans due to his injury woes last season.

The game was now effectively finished at this point and Arsenal were in cruise control. Leeds offered zero offensively and were simply in damage limitation mode. Seeing this, Mikel Arteta decided hand Max Dowman his Premier League debut, making him the second youngest Premier League player ever. Second only to Nwaneri. The 15 year old was very exciting after coming on and caused all sorts of problems. His tenacious work finally rewarded him with a contribution to the scoreline, not directly, but managed to win a penalty. Gyokeres was on hand to smash home the fifth and final goal of the game.

All round good performance. Clinical in front of goal, scoring every shot we had on target. 18 shots in total, with an xG of 2.88. We also announced the signing Eberechi Eze before kick off and was presented to the Emirates crowd, sending the home fans into a celebration. Mission accomplished. Now we sweat on the injuries to Odegaard and Saka, but early signs seem to suggest that they're not serious.

Onto Liverpool next Sunday at Anfield. A huge clash which we would be fearing a lot more if we hadn't of invested money into depth this summer. Saka, Odegaard and Havertz out last season would've been disastorous. This season we can go there with Eze, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres ready to cover. We have to be brave and take positives from our first two games, even if most of the positives came from the second game. Liverpool play Monday night against Newcastle United, which will be a fiery affair.