Arsenal produced a five-star performance at the Emirates earlier today, brushing aside Leeds United in a dominant 5-0 victory, but injuries to Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard left a shadow over an otherwise jubilant evening.
The atmosphere was already electric before kick-off as Arsenal unveiled new £60 million signing Eberechi Eze to a rapturous home crowd. The buzz seemed to carry straight onto the pitch as the Gunners set the tone early.
Jurrien Timber opened the scoring with a towering header from a set piece before turning provider for Bukayo Saka, who smashed home the second just before the break.
Saka’s finish brought the Emirates to its feet, but the joy was short-lived when the England international limped off in the second half, adding to Mikel Arteta’s concerns.
Viktor Gyokeres, making only his second appearance since his £64m move, lit up the second half. The Swedish striker showed composure inside the box to drill in Arsenal’s third, and later converted from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time.
Timber also notched his second of the night with another powerful header, underlining his aerial threat.
The game also saw a moment of history when 15-year-old Max Dowman came off the bench to replace debutant Noni Madueke.
Dowman wasted no time making an impression, winning the late penalty that Gyokeres dispatched. At 15 years and 234 days, he became the second-youngest player to represent Arsenal, behind Ethan Nwaneri.
Leeds, meanwhile, were largely second best throughout, their only clear chance coming when Pascal Struijk forced a smart save from David Raya.
Despite the emphatic scoreline, Arteta’s celebrations were muted by the sight of both Saka and Ødegaard hobbling off, with the latter injured on his 200th Arsenal appearance.
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