Arsenal dismantled Leeds in a commanding 5-0 victory that propelled them to the top of the Premier League, with Jurrien Timber surprisingly netting twice. However, the win was overshadowed by injuries to key players Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka—leaving Mikel Arteta with major concerns ahead of their crucial clash with Liverpool.
After spurning a couple of early chances—most notably a glaring miss from Viktor Gyökeres—Arsenal were given a scare when Pascal Struijk’s powerful header from a corner was tipped over by a sharp David Raya. With Leeds defending resolutely and the hosts struggling to carve out clear-cut openings, it took a familiar weapon to unlock the game: Declan Rice’s pinpoint delivery from a set-piece was met by Jurrien Timber, who diverted it into the net to open the scoring.
That breakthrough shifted the momentum, and Arsenal doubled their lead just before the break. Despite a quiet half, Bukayo Saka burst into the box in stoppage time and rifled a shot past Lucas Perri to give the Gunners a commanding cushion.
The third goal brought a moment of joy for £60 million signing Eberechi Eze, watching from the stands after being unveiled to the fans pre-match. He applauded as Gyökeres—under scrutiny after a quiet debut at Old Trafford—opened his Arsenal account. The Swede latched onto a pass in the channel, cut inside, and coolly slotted past Perri before wheeling away to unleash his signature mask celebration.
he jubilation following Gyökeres’ goal quickly gave way to concern at the Emirates, as Bukayo Saka was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury just eight minutes into the second half—adding to Mikel Arteta’s worries after Martin Ødegaard had already exited earlier with a shoulder issue.
Despite the double setback, Arsenal remained in control and continued to assert their dominance. Jurrien Timber bundled in his second of the night to make it four, before 15-year-old debutant Max Dowman marked his introduction with a bright cameo—winning a penalty that Viktor Gyökeres emphatically converted to seal his brace.
Nasiie Sports delivers the player ratings from a dramatic night at the Emirates…
Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya – 7/10
Produced a crucial, reflex save to deny Struijk from close range while the game was still goalless. Largely untroubled beyond that, but that intervention was vital in settling Arsenal early.
Jurrien Timber – 9/10
Outstanding performance. Opened the scoring with a well-taken header, set up Saka for the second, and capped his night by bundling in a scrappy fourth. A dominant display on both ends.
William Saliba – 7/10
Barely broke a sweat. Leeds offered little threat, and Saliba coasted through the match with composure and control.
Gabriel Magalhães – 7/10
Solid and assertive as always. Pressed high to break up play and helped initiate several attacking moves.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7/10
Physically dominant, particularly against Dan James. Showed quality on the ball too, notably with a clever pass into the channel to set up Gyökeres’ first goal.
Midfield
Martin Zubimendi – 7/10
Helped fashion one of Arsenal’s best early chances with a surging run and intelligent press. Kept things ticking in midfield and dictated the tempo confidently.
Declan Rice – 8/10
Delivered two trademark corners that led directly to goals. Covered plenty of ground and set the tone with his relentless pressing and sharp passing.
Martin Ødegaard – 6/10
Tried to carry on after picking up a shoulder injury early on but was forced off before half-time. A frustrating outing for the captain.
Attack
Bukayo Saka – 7/10
Largely quiet until first-half stoppage time when he burst into the box and rifled in Arsenal’s second. Unfortunately, a suspected hamstring issue cut his evening short. A big concern ahead of Liverpool.
Viktor Gyökeres – 8/10
From frustration to elation. Missed a sitter early on but bounced back with a composed finish to get off the mark, then confidently buried a late penalty to seal his brace. A much-needed confidence boost.
Noni Madueke – 5/10
Showed glimpses of his dribbling ability but lacked end product. Withdrawn shortly after the hour mark without making a major impact.
Substitutes
Ethan Nwaneri – 6/10
Introduced in the first half for Ødegaard and showed flashes of intent after the break. Didn’t get a clear sight of goal but looked lively in midfield.
Leandro Trossard – 6/10
Came on for the injured Saka shortly after the restart with the game already under control. Kept things tidy without needing to push too hard.
Max Dowman – 7/10
A landmark moment for the 15-year-old, who made his professional debut and made an instant impact by winning the penalty for Arsenal’s fifth. A night to remember.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6/10
Slotted in seamlessly after replacing Calafiori. Composed and efficient during his brief cameo.
Cristhian Mosquera – 6/10
Came on for Timber late on to make his Arsenal debut. Had little defending to do but looked comfortable on the ball.
Manager
Mikel Arteta – 8/10
Aside from the injury setbacks to two key players, this was nearly a perfect evening for Arteta. His side played with intensity, control, and clinical edge. His decision to hand Dowman a debut at 15 paid off in style, capping off a night that showcased both Arsenal’s depth and their exciting future.
