The Gunners maintained their eight-point gap at the top of the table as their Brazilian striker netted his first goals of 2023 to seal a 4-1 win
Anything you can do, we can do just as well. That was the message Arsenal sent out on Saturday as they matched title rivals Manchester City’s 4-1 success against Liverpool with a victory over Leeds by the exact same scoreline just a couple of hours later.
The win was Arsenal’s seventh in a row in the Premier League, and was inspired by a brace from Gabriel Jesus on his first league start since November.
Jesus, who hadn’t scored since the win against Spurs in October 1, settled the nerves when he converted a penalty he had won himself following a foul by Luke Ayling midway through the first half.
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And, after Ben White had doubled the lead moments after half-time, the Brazilian added to his tally with a sharp finish from Leandro Trossard’s ball in.
A deflected Rasmus Kristensen effort briefly reduced the deficit, but Granit Xhaka’s late header put the gloss on yet another win for Arsenal as they restored their eight-point advantage at the top of the table ahead of next weekend’s trip to Anfield.
GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the Emirates Stadium…
WINNER: Gabriel Jesus
A first Premier League start since November and his first goals since October 1. This was a big day for Jesus.
The Brazil international still has a way to go to get back to the player who was absolutely terrifying defences during the opening couple of months of the season, but this was another important step on his road to full fitness.
Getting Jesus back at this stage of the season could be so crucial for Arsenal. Not just because of his ability on the pitch, but because of the experience he has in being involved in tense title run-ins.
He took his penalty well and the fact he put his hand up to take the spot kick in Bukayo Saka’s absence shows the leadership qualities he possesses. His second goal was excellent, not just the finish, but the part he played in the start of the move as well.
Mikel Arteta said before the game that the Brazilian was back causing chaos on the training pitches at London Colney. Now he’s starting to do that on a match day as well.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWINNER: Ben White
A widespread nervousness drifted around the stadium when White cut his warm-up short and headed down the tunnel before the game.
With William Saliba already out and Saka on the bench due to illness, the last thing Arsenal needed was White picking up a problem as well. So there was a real feeling of relief when he emerged with the rest of the team for kick-off.
And the right-back went on to have a major say against his former side, scoring the crucial second goal right at the start of the second half to give Arsenal the breathing space they needed to go on and win the game.
LOSER: Luke Ayling
Once a Gunner, always a Gunner!
Ayling came through the Arsenal academy and won the FA Youth Cup in the same side as Jack Wilshere in 2009. And he certainly did his old side a favour on Saturday when he dived in wildly on Jesus in the first half and gave away the penalty which gave Arsenal the lead.
Things could have got even worse for Ayling soon after when he got himself in a muddle while trying to steer Gabriel Martinelli’s shot to safety.
The Leeds defender just about managed to scramble the ball the wrong side of the post, sparing himself further embarrassment, but his struggles continued into the second half on a chastening day for the Leeds captain.
Getty ImagesWINNER: Leandro Trossard
Another game, another Trossard assist.
The Belgian has now set up seven goals since arriving at Arsenal in January, as his fabulous start to life in north London continues.
He was impressive again against Leeds, ensuring the absence of Saka from the start did not prove too costly from an attacking poem of view.
Trossard’s assist for Jesus’ second goal was typically excellent. The movement in the box, the close control and the fizzed ball across the six yard box. It was the exact sort of thing he was brought to the club to do.