Arsenal scored two goals in eight minutes to come from behind and get back to winning ways via a 2-1 comeback win over Daniel Farke’s stubborn Leeds.
After their 3-0 loss to Brighton before the international break, a blip threatened to become a bigger issue as Leeds not only were the better team for the best part of an hour at the Emirates – but they took the lead through James Justin’s strike 10 minutes after half-time.
It was the least Leeds deserved. David Raya made four saves to deny the Whites before the opener – and with Farke’s side holding the joint-best defensive record coming into the game, Arsenal were in trouble.
But they were given a lifeline by Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford. The England international, given a chance by Thomas Tuchel during the latest England camp, failed to keep out Riccardo Calafiori’s effort from inside the box seven minutes after Leeds’ opener.
Riccardo Calafiori wheels away after levelling for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta, perhaps unimpressed by his side’s performance so far, was unmoved on the touchline – and backed up the leveller with a triple substitution he was planning to make anyway. One of those changes was Bruno Guimaraes, who completed the comeback five minutes later.
Martin Odegaard’s ball forward was brilliantly flicked by Declan Rice into the path of the Brazilian on the edge of the box and he crashed the ball into the bottom corner.
Eventually, it rounded off a good week for Arteta, who earlier signed a new deal until 2030. He made the brave call to play Noni Madueke at left wing to replace the injured Christos Tzolis – and he was Arsenal’s best player and was crucial in Calafiori’s equaliser – then made the super sub change for Guimaraes.
Arsenal’s Bruno Guimaraes celebrates scoring their second goal
Arsenal move level on points with leaders Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, with Enzo Maresca’s side facing Liverpool at Anfield on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Leeds, meanwhile, are beaten for the first time in the Premier League this season.
More to follow…
The key moments from the Emirates…
8: CLOSE! Noah Okafor has an early sight of goal as a corner is cleared to his path but his effort is deflected just wide of the far post.
21: BIG CHANCE MISSED! Madueke does well down the left wing and hangs a cross for Havertz, whose header is straight at Trafford.
Arsenal’s Kai Havertz heads at goal
55: GOAL! Leeds make the pressure count as Gudmundsson’s cross flies across goal and Justin crashes the ball into the net at the back post.
62: GOAL! Madueke’s cross is put across the penalty area by Ben White, leaving Calafiori to tap home.
70: GOAL! Five minutes after coming on, Guimaraes slams Arsenal in front after being teed up by Rice’s flick.
83: WHAT A CHANCE! Martin Odegaard has chance to seal the points from two yards out but Rice’s cross comes off his boot and Trafford holds.
90+5: BIG MISS! Bukayo Saka breaks through on goal but puts a one-on-one wide.
