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Arsenal came away with their second win of the season, with an absolute drubbing of Leeds United. Plenty of goalscorers and a broken duck but it was not all good with some worrying injuries suffered throughout.
David Raya was on the end of the first major chance in the game, tipping over from a headed chance while Viktor Gyokeres also had a great opportunity go wide after a loose pass into the box. The Gunners would take the lead from yet another corner, Jurrien Timber heading in from Declan Rice’s cross.
They doubled their lead before the breakthrough, Bukayo Saka, who fired past Lucas Pirro following a great pass from Jurrien Timber. Viktor Gyokeres got his goal at the start of the second half, firing low into the bottom left-hand corner.
Timber would then score the fourth from another corner, getting his toe to a bouncing ball in the box after a scramble. Max Dowman's late arrival in the game would gain more roars from the crowd with several moments where he nearly found a special debut goal before he was tripped just inside the box, allowing Gyokeres another effort to convert from the penalty spot.
Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:
David Raya – Produced a glorious reaction save from Pascal Struijk, a header from a corner that the keeper had to tip over the bar. Otherwise, he was not really tested but the distribution throughout was strong. 7
Jurrien Timber – Another set piece goal gave Arsenal the lead, gorgeously guided header into the far corner. Then he turned creator, finding the pass through the right half-space to Saka who fired in the second.
He wouldn't have to wait long for another goal, getting his toe to a loose ball in the box from another corner – two goals and an assist, a great day. 9
William Saliba – Produced a fine sliding tackle in the first half, to stop a Leeds counterattack to the roar of the home crowd. He was the better of the two centre-half partners today. 7
Gabriel Magalhaes – Solid throughout despite not necessarily being too challenged although did lose Struijk for the header at the start. A loose touch toward the end, a couple mistakes but nothing too concerning. 6
Riccardo Calafiori – Rampaging forward all throughout the game, particularly inside of Noni Madueke and into the left half-space. A great pass, however, did find the Gunners’ new striker on the left-hand side, leading to the goal. 7
Martin Zubimendi – Had a tricky first-half display but finished it well, finding the pass to Jurrien Timber before his touch into Saka for the second goal. This was a key moment for the Spaniard who then settled and grew stronger throughout. 7
Declan Rice – A typically fantastic corner from the Arsenal record signing, curled straight onto the head of Jurrien Timber. He was also involved in the second goal, getting his foot in to win the ball back before Martin Zubimendi found Timber. 7
Martin Odegaard – Had an early attempt in the game from outside the box, struck low but into the side netting. He would, however, suffer a shoulder injury, which he tried to carry on with, but was removed in the 38th minute for Ethan Nwaneri. 6
Bukayo Saka – After a relatively quiet first half, the club talisman found the back of the net from a quick turnover, Timber playing him in before he hit the strike right-footed and past the keeper. However, he would come off early in the second half with what seemed a hamstring problem. 7
Noni Madueke – Had a relatively quiet first half, finding moves down the left hard to come by. He definitely perked up when moved to the right, and with Saka potentially out, it is good to have him in the squad for that position. 6
Viktor Gyokeres – Had a massive opportunity on 17 minutes when the ball was loosely played back into the box for the Swede. He, however, snatched at the chance and saw the ball skewed wide.
However, he would atone for his error early in the second period, picking up the ball on the left from a long ball, cutting into the box and firing low into the bottom left-hand corner. A confident penalty to round off the win. 7
Substitutes:
Ethan Nwaneri – Coming on in the first half to replace the injured Martin Odegaard. However, he couldn’t get a foothold in the game, and the chances that did fall to him wouldn’t be taken. 6
Leandro Trossard – Coming on to replace Bukayo Saka. First appearance since we understand his signing of a new deal and he looked sharp and some nice switches of play to Dowman. 6
Myles Lewis-Skelly – A crowd favourite and moved into the inverted left-back role with ease. He has a big job however trying to dethrone Calafiori this season who has looked inspired. 6
Cristhian Mosquera – Replacing Timber at right back, not as marauding as the Dutchman, but the Spaniard was solid in the role and good depth for the currently injured Ben White. 6
Max Dowman – Full of energy and running and got a roar every time he was on the ball with every fan knowing exactly who this talent is now. Had a chance to cut inside and find a shot too from outside the box on the right. Showed quick feet before being tripped to win a penalty. 7
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