Bukayo Saka’s first half goal was the difference as Arsenal rode their luck to record a 1-0 victory over Leeds at Elland Road. The victory helped the Gunners to record their ninth win of the season and to tighten their hold on top spot in the Premier League.
The game was interrupted for around 40 minutes after a power failure led to the match officials losing contact with the VAR and goal-line technology feed. After the resumption both sides played out a rip roaring contest filled full of action and drama.
Patrick Bamford’s introduction galvanised the Leeds attack, scoring not long after coming on but the goal was ruled out for a push on Gabriel. The striker then had the chance to level the match from the spot but his poor effort rolled desperately past the post.
The big talking point came in stoppage time when Leeds were awarded a penalty for a kick out by Gabriel on Bamford. The defender was initially sent off but after a VAR review the penalty and the red card were rescinded.
Arsenal, despite weathering an onslaught, held on to record their best start to a league campaign after ten games since 1904/05.
Arsenal show once again they have the stuff to challenge for the title
After riding their luck for large parts of the second half, Arteta’s side continue to prove they have what it takes to push Manchester City all the way this season for Premier League glory. With City losing to Liverpool on Sunday the Gunners sit four points ahead at the summit.
Key blocks, important saves and a new ruthless streak not often associated with the North London side have the supporters daring to dream of not only qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in seven years, but maybe also a real chance for their first league title since the ‘Invincibles’ of 2004.
In previous seasons this would have been a banana skin and most likely a place that points would have been dropped. There is a different feeling around the Emirates among players and supporters alike that this is a side that won’t buckle when things get tough.
The recruitment from the summer and investment in young hungry players is beginning to pay off. In previous years older players were purchased who were not receptive to new ideas and changing how they play. The change in emphasis has seen the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale and William Saliba come into the side and provide a freshness to the team along with being more malleable to ideas and coaching with points to prove.
Man City might still go on to win the title come the season’s end but a new dawn has arrived at the Emirates that could see Arsenal become challengers beyond this season.
Leeds - fortune did not favour the brave
Leeds can feel very unfortunate to not have come away with at least a point from today’s encounter. Against an inform Arsenal, Leeds more than matched their opponents throughout the contest.
The Yorkshire side had a goal ruled out, missed a penalty and had chances cleared off the line. Despite suffering defeat Jesse Marsch can take plenty of positives going into the next fixture away to fellow strugglers Leicester City on Thursday night.
Only for Rodrigo’s kamikaze pass across the pitch that led to Saka scoring the only goal of the game, who is to say how the game would have fared. The Elland Road outfit at times were excellent pressing Arsenal, disrupting their flow and playing a high energy brand of football that had the crowd on the edge of their seat.
Though quiet murmurings are surfacing in the background among some of the supporters about Marsch’s management, the American deserves to have a little more faith shown in what he is building. There is potential in this group of players to push higher up the league. The recruitment of Brendan Aaronson, Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra in the summer has strengthened the team, if they can keep Bamford and a few other key players fit then Leeds should be able to push further up the league.
Saka continues to shine
Bukayo Saka’s importance to Arsenal’s brilliant form this season was further underlined with the winning goal against Leeds. The England international has been in exceptional form so far this season with three goals and four assists in his opening nine league games.
Having firmly established himself in the starting Arsenal eleven, he continues to excel and despite his young age is someone who has taken on the responsibility of an experienced pro to become a leader and an important cog in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Saka seized upon Rodrigo’s poor pass to win a flick on before lashing home after being played into the box by Martin Odegaard. Despite the goal, the winger had a quieter day at the office but such is his level of brilliance that he only needs a moment to make the difference.
With the World Cup coming up the Arsenal man is in top form and will go to Qatar as a key player for England. Arsenal are in with their best chance in nearly two decades to challenge for the League title, if they are to continue their current momentum the form of their young prodigy will be key to any challenge.
Leeds need Bamford fit every week
Despite missing a penalty that could have salvaged a point for his side, Patrick Bamford underlined his importance after coming on at half-time. A debatable goal was ruled out and arguably another penalty should have been awarded in injury time after Gabriel lashed out in the penalty area.
Bamford’s movement and intelligent runs kept the Arsenal back line on their toes and was a thorn in the side throughout the second half. Though not always a prolific goalscorer, his importance to the Leeds attack cannot be understated due to a lack of forward options at the club.
He has been unlucky with injuries in the past depriving Marsch and his predecessor Marcelo Biesla of an important part of the attacking jigsaw. It is no surprise that when results have gone south the former Chelsea striker has been absent from the side. With two big games coming up away to Leicester and then at home to Fulham, Bamford’s presence up top will be sorely needed.
If Bamford can stay injury free and come close to repeating just a little of his form from Leeds’ first season back in the top flight in 2020/21, where he scored 17 goals, the threat of relegation should be easily avoided.
