Arsenal returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion as they swept aside Leeds United 4-0 at Elland Road to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League.
The result restored momentum after a stuttering run and underlined the authority of Mikel Arteta’s side at a decisive stage of the season.
Leeds arrived with confidence following a strong sequence of results and with a home record that had troubled other big names in the league.
That context made the manner of this victory as significant as the margin.
Arsenal were disrupted before kick-off when Bukayo Saka suffered a hip problem in the warm-up and was withdrawn from the starting XI.
Noni Madueke was thrust into the line-up and produced his most convincing display in an Arsenal shirt.
Leeds began with energy and intent, pressing high and attempting to unsettle the league leaders early on.
That early threat was gradually absorbed as Arsenal imposed control through sustained possession and territorial dominance.
The breakthrough arrived midway through the first half when Madueke delivered a precise cross that Martin Zubimendi headed past Karl Darlow.
It was a goal that reflected Arsenal’s growing authority and their ability to punish pressure with precision.
Leeds were dealt a further blow 11 minutes later when Madueke’s corner was misjudged by Darlow, who punched the ball into his own net under pressure.
That second goal drained belief from the home side and allowed Arsenal to manage the game with increasing composure.
Leeds attempted to respond after the interval, with Daniel Farke switching shape in search of greater control.
There was a brief uptick in intensity, but clear chances remained elusive against an Arsenal side organised and disciplined out of possession.
Any lingering hope was extinguished in the 69th minute when Gabriel Martinelli’s cross was turned home by Viktor Gyokeres for his sixth league goal of the campaign.
The goal reflected Arsenal’s depth and attacking variety, with substitutes again making a decisive impact.
Arsenal were not finished.
Gabriel Jesus added a fourth late on, twisting away from his marker before curling a superb finish beyond Darlow to complete a commanding afternoon.
The scoreline was as striking as the performance.
Arsenal limited Leeds to few clear openings and dominated territory, set-pieces and key moments at both ends of the pitch.
Winning by such a margin at Elland Road is rare, and it served as a reminder of Arsenal’s credentials as the season enters its final stretch.
The victory moves Arsenal seven points clear at the summit, at least temporarily, and applies pressure to their nearest challengers.
It also offered reassurance after recent doubts, showing resilience, squad depth and clarity of purpose.
