By ISAAN KHAN, REPORTER
Published: 17:22 EST, 31 January 2026 | Updated: 17:22 EST, 31 January 2026
Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal team were determined to prove the doubters wrong as they hammered Leeds to get their Premier League title bid back on track.
The Gunners had to contend with Bukayo Saka limping off in the warm-up with a hip problem — yet his replacement Noni Madueke starred to seal the three points and end their three-game winless run in the league.
Madueke assisted Martin Zubimendi’s opener, before seeing his curling corner tipped into the net by goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Viktor Gyokeres and substitute Gabriel Jesus added further goals to round off the victory.
The north London club are now seven points clear at the top having played an extra game, with Manchester City and Aston Villa in action tomorrow.
Arteta said: ‘Well, very, very happy obviously. A very impressive performance, a very impressive result. And in the context that we've done it in.
‘After three results that didn't go our way in the league, we really wanted to show how much we wanted it and I think we've certainly done that today.
Mikel Arteta praised his Arsenal's side's mentality after thrashing Leeds to end their winless run
Mikel Arteta explained Bukayo Saka had a 'niggle' in the warm-up leading to him missing the match
‘The mentality is good. To play with that level of enjoyment about where we are, and then with the conviction to believe in what we do and how good we are, and that we can beat any opponent. We certainly did that.
‘But then you have to show the quality as well in this league to do it, and it came out in great ways from different players as well.’
On Saka’s injury, he added: ‘So in the warm-up he had a little niggle, he wasn't comfortable to start the game.’
Daniel Farke was left full of praise for his opponents.
Leeds were on a run of just one defeat in 10 league matches, with just two defeats at Elland Road all season before the Gunners’ demolition job.
Farke said: ‘We have to accept the better team won this game. We faced today the best side in Europe.
‘You need a perfect day in order to give yourself a chance. We did not have our very best day. We have to accept their quality. Whatever we did, they always had an answer.’