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In a game that had all sorts of drama, Bukayo Saka’s goal proved to be the difference as Arsenal narrowly edged Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday.
THE LOWDOWN: DRAMATIC GAME
In a game delayed 40 minutes due to a power cut, Bukayo Saka provided the spark by hitting his fourth goal in a week to beat Leeds United – but that only told half the story of a dramatic encounter at Elland Road.
The attacker rifled in the only goal of the game on 35 minutes to ensure the Gunners won nine of our first 10 top-flight games for the first time ever, but this was far from a routine victory as the hosts pushed us all the way.
Arsenal received a let-off in the second half when Patrick Bamford pulled a penalty wide of the mark, and also survived a VAR penalty check deep into stoppage time to remain top of the Premier League table.
It was perhaps William Saliba’s most shaky performance in an Arsenal jersey while Gabriel Magalhaes and Aaron Ramsdale were rock solid.
It was a nervy final 15 minutes to the game but the Gunners held on for an important win against a Leeds side that were unbeaten at home this season, prior to that encounter.
THE NUMBERS
Saka has been involved in nine goals in his last 10 appearances for us in all competitions (5 goals, 4 assists), while this is now the second time he’s scored in three consecutive games for us (also in December/January last season).
Saka’s goal was his 50th goal involvement for Arsenal under Arteta in all competitions (26 goals, 24 assists), the first player to reach that figure for the club since the Spaniard took charge.
This was the first Premier League game this season in which the Gunners failed to score after half-time.
THE VERDICT: ALL-IMPORTANT THREE POINTS
It was not a dominant performance by Arsenal but the Gunners were able to secure the three points that mattered the most. A top attribute of a title-winning side is the ability to grind out results even on a ‘bad day’.
Liverpool handing Manchester City their first defeat of the season also means Arsenal are now four points clear at the top of the table after 10 games and the Gunners can start to dream about the title.
