Arsenal boosted their Champions League qualification chances and enhanced relegation fears for 10-man Leeds United in a 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal took the lead early on, when Eddie Nketiah snatched possession from Illan Meslier on his goalline to finish against his former loan club. The same scorer was responsible for the second goal, still inside the first 10 minutes.
Things went from bad to worse for Leeds when Luke Ayling was sent off after a VAR check for a two-footed challenge on Gabriel Martinelli before the half-hour mark.
However, they gave themselves a surprising route back into the game when Diego Llorente got on the end of a flick-on after a corner to make it 2-1. But despite some other moments of pressure, there was no way back.
The win gives Arsenal a major advantage in the race for Champions League qualification, ahead of the north London derby. They are now four points above Tottenham with three games left. Victory in the next, against their rivals, could put them back in the big time.
Leeds, meanwhile, have dropped into the relegation zone. They are level on points with 17th-placed Burnley but behind Everton, who beat Leicester to pull away.
As stated, Leeds had Ayling and Meslier to blame for their costly moments. As for Arsenal, Martinelli and Nketiah were influential, as was Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal
Aaron Ramsdale: Didn’t have a shot to save in the first half. Beaten by Llorente when Leeds finally registered one after their first corner, more than an hour in. 6
Cedric Soares: Replacing Nuno Tavares in their only change from their most recent fixture, stood up strongly against Harrison. Got forward when the chance presented itself, with mixed success from his deliveries. Sucked into an ineffective space for the Leeds goal despite looking at Llorente first. 7
Rob Holding: A comparatively comfortable afternoon for Arsenal’s hero from the previous week. 6
Gabriel Magalhaes: Took some time to settle, being the first to…
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