Arsenal will take a four-point gap to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when they face Tottenham on Thursday, live on Sky Sports, after securing a nervy 2-1 win over 10-man Leeds United, who dropped into the bottom three.
Following Spurs’ 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Saturday night, the Gunners knew a win would see them solidify fourth place ahead of a crunch north London derby and they got the perfect start as Eddie Nketiah’s double inside the first 10 minutes set them on the path to victory.
Leeds struggled to get any foothold in the game and their fate was sealed when Luke Ayling was sent off for a two-footed lunge on Gabriel Martinelli, after a VAR intervention saw his initial booking upgraded to red card.
After the break, Leeds grabbed a lifeline from out of nowhere as Diego Llorente squeezed his strike in at the far post to set up a tense finish, but the Gunners, who were hanging on at the end, clung on for what eventually was a very nervy victory.
It sets up a huge game on Thursday (kick off 7.45pm) when the Gunners, who are now just one point behind third-placed Chelsea, could seal Champions League football with a victory over rivals Spurs.
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Meanwhile, a disappointing day for Leeds – who put in a spirited second-half display – ends with them in the relegation zone with three games to go after Everton’s 2-1 victory at Leicester.
Watch Tottenham vs Arsenal live on Sky Sports from 7pm on Thursday; kick off 7.45pm.
How 10-man Leeds gave Arsenal a scare…
Just like they did against Manchester United, Arsenal made the perfect start as they took the lead thanks to a huge gift from Meslier.
Former Leeds loanee Nkeitah closed down the goalkeeper and capitalised ona poor touch, tapping the ball home from close range.
Arsenal’s start got even better as Nketiah doubled the advantage, sweeping home Gabriel Martinelli’s cross from 12 yards for his fourth league goal in as many games.
Leeds after then went from bad to worse as they were reduced to 10 men before the half-hour mark.
Captain Luke Ayling was initially shown a yellow card for a two-footed lunge on Martinell, but referee Chris Kavanagh was sent over to the pitchside monitor by VAR John Brooks and after watching a replay he upgraded the booking to a red card.
Arsenal tried to put the game to bed before the break, Odegaard forcing a decent save from Meslier from a free-kick before Llorente hooked the loose ball off his own goal line.
Leeds went off at the break having failed to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes – but Arsenal, who did miss chances at the start of the second half, appeared to take their foot off the gas.
From out of nowhere, Leeds went on to strike with their first effort of the game as Llorente popped up at the back post to turn home Junior Firpo’s flick on from a corner.
The hosts could not find a third goal as the tension rose at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta turned to Nicolas Pepe and Emile Smith Rowe off the bench, but it was Leeds who were the team looking more likely.
Meslier was forward for a late corner and a free-kick as the nerves jangles around the ground, and Leeds did create one final chance, but Rodrigo’s flick was saved by Aaron Ramsdale before the final whistle sounded to spark relief from the majority within the Emirates.
What’s next for Arsenal & Leeds?
Arsenal are back in action at Tottenham on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports, as the north London rivals battle it out for Champions League qualification; kick off at 7:45pm. Mikel Arteta’s side then travel to Newcastle on Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports; kick-off at 8pm.
Leeds play host to Chelsea on Wednesday night, live on Sky Sports, as they continue their fight for Premier League survival; kick-off at 7.30pm. Jesse Marsch’s side then welcome Brighton to Elland Road on Sunday; kick-off at 2pm.
Arsenal’s remaining fixtures
Thursday – Tottenham (a), live on Sky Sports
May 16 – Newcastle (a), live on Sky Sports
May 22 – Everton (h)
Leeds’ remaining fixtures
May 11 – Chelsea (h), live on Sky Sports
May 15 – Brighton (h)
May 22 – Brentford (a)
Watch Tottenham vs Arsenal live on Sky Sports from 7pm on Thursday; kick off 7.45pm.