Arsenal took yet another huge stride towards claiming Premier League glory this afternoon, after securing a sensational 4-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road.
Mikel Arteta’s men produced a dominant display in Yorkshire, subsequently re-establishing a seven-point buffer over Manchester City before their game against Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow.
First-half goals from Martin Zubimendi and an own goal from opposition goalkeeper Karl Darlow handed the Gunners a two-goal lead going into the break.
zubimendi-arsenal-1
Strikes from Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus in the second half were enough to secure all three points against the Whites and ensure a return to winning ways.
The performance was a complete one for the most part from Arteta’s men, with numerous players within the starting eleven producing performances to be proud of.
Arsenal’s star performers against Leeds
Declan Rice has been a pivotal part of Arsenal’s success during the 2025/26 campaign, with the midfielder producing another incredible display against Daniel Farke’s side.
The Englishman created three chances during the triumph - the most of any player on the pitch - whilst also achieving an 82% pass accuracy at Elland Road.
declan-rice-arsenal
He also dominated without the ball at the heart of the midfield, subsequently making two tackles, whilst coming out on top in 100% of the aerial battles he entered.
Rice wasn’t alone in impressing in Yorkshire, with centre-back Gabriel once again offering a solid option at the back and playing a key role in securing another clean sheet.
The Brazilian made a staggering total of 10 clearances and two tackles, with the defender once again proving his worth at the heart of the Gunners' backline.
He also impressed with the ball at his feet, subsequently completing 80% of the passes he attempted, with four of his passes being made into the final third.
The Arsenal player who needs to be dropped after Leeds
Whilst on the whole, it was another afternoon to remember for Arsenal and Arteta, some of their continuous issues once again reared their head at Elland Road.
arteta
The manager has struggled to establish his best attacking unit in the final third, but that was made even tricker before kick-off, with Bukayo Saka getting injured in the warm-up.
Noni Madueke was named as the Englishman’s replacement for the clash, but he did manage to register an assist - showcasing that he’s capable of filling the void when needed.
As previously mentioned, under fire striker Gyokeres did manage to net a needed goal in the Premier League, which could reduce some of the pressure on his shoulders.
However, the same can’t be said for attacking midfielder Kai Havertz, who was handed his first start of the league campaign against Farke’s men this afternoon.
kai-havertz-arsenal
The German has massively struggled with injuries during the current season, with his lack of minutes certainly evident based on his performance earlier today.
The 26-year-old featured for just over an hour before being replaced by captain Martin Odegaard, with Arteta making the right call in withdrawing him from the contest.
Havertz failed to register a single shot on goal during his hour showing, whilst also completing a measly tally of four passes - at an accuracy rate of just 50%.
He also managed to win just one of the four aerial battles he entered in Yorkshire, subsequently committing a foul in the process as he looked somewhat off the pace.
Kai Havertz - stats against Leeds
Statistics
Minutes played
Touches
Passes completed
Pass accuracy
Shots on goal
Aerials won
Fouls committed
Long balls completed
Stats via FotMob
The former Chelsea star could only register one touch in the opposition box, whilst failing to complete any of his long balls - further reaffirming his lack of quality in possession.
To compound his lack of impact, Havertz only registered 19 touches of the ball, with goalkeeper David Raya registering more - as seen by his tally of 25.
raya
As a result of his performance this afternoon, Havertz was handed a measly 6/10 match rating by Football London journalist Tom Canton - further showcasing his lack of impact.
After such a display, Arteta must be left with no choice but to drop the German back onto the substitutes bench, with his lack of action no doubt a contributing factor to his struggles.
Given the nature of the current title battle, the Gunners need every player on top form in every outing, with the German unfortunately falling below the standards expected.
However, on the whole, it was arguably one of the club’s best showings of the season and one that could allow the club to finally end their title drought come the end of May.
havertz Related
£80m asking price: Arsenal in talks to sign a big upgrade on Kai Havertz
Arsenal are pushing to sign a new striker to upgrade on Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres.