Gabriel Martinelli scored his first brace as Arsenal defeated Leeds 4-1 at Elland Road.
In a gameweek with so many cancelled games due to Covid-19, the Leeds Arsenal came survived the scare and was the only Premier League match played today.
Arsenal ran off to a 3-0 lead in the first half with 11 shots on target, the most by any team in the first half since stats were kept. Leeds were punished by their sloppy defending and passes. Martinelli was on ground to score a brace before the end of the first half.
Xhaka was instrumental for Martinelli’s second – intercepting a Leeds pass and funding the Brazilian with a through pass. It was coolly converted. Saka made it three after so many attempts.
In the second half, Arsenal took their foot off the gas and could have been a man down after replays showed Xhaka was lucky to have escaped a booking.
Leeds pulled one back after White brought down one of their strikers. Raphina stepped up with the goal. But Emile Smith Rowe restored Arsenal’s 3 goal lead, latching unto a good pass from Odegaard.
It is Arsenal’s 4th 4-1 win in 6 matches at Leeds and the win secured 4th place at least till Christmas.
Smith Rowe is now joint 4th highest goal scorer in the league this season. He is only behind Raphina, Jota, Vardy and Salah. All of Arsenal’s goal scorers today were U-21.
Good to see Arsenal copping without Aubameyang. Martinelli has stepped up, converting the chances as they come. Tomiyasu got injured and subbed off. I hope he is fine.
Congratulations Arsenal. Sunderland next.
SoccerGunz 