Arsenal rounded out Saturday as leaders of the Premier League. Although it is only game week two, the Gunners will want to remain there for the rest of the season as they look to go one better and win the trophy that has so far evaded Mikel Arteta and his side in the last three campaigns.
A 5-0 victory over Leeds United was enough to rocket the Gunners above rivals Spurs. Two braces from Viktor Gyokeres and Jurrien Timber, alongside a Bukayo Saka strike, were enough to sink the visitors, who played well for the majority of the first half.
In some respects, it was the perfect day for Arsenal: A five-star display, Eberechi Eze’s announcement, a first Gyokeres goal and Max Dowman’s debut capped off a sensational weekend. Dowman in particular was brilliant, winning a penalty which the Swedish striker converted.
The focus now turns to Liverpool as last season’s top two meet at Anfield next weekend. But for now, it is time to assess the players’ performance against Leeds.
Arsenal (4-3-3):
David Raya – 7
The Spanish goalkeeper was largely untroubled but did make one crucial save during the first half. Pascal Struijk rose from the crowd and headed a powerful effort towards the Arsenal goal. Raya acrobatically denied the Dutch defender as he tipped the ball behind and away from danger. Perhaps if that had gone in, Leeds would have happily sat in a low block.
Jurrien Timber – 9
(Credit: Henry Nicholls/ Getty Images).
Timber was the unlikely contributor to three of the five goals, scoring two. The former Ajax defender proved the most effective from set pieces, glancing in the first goals and bundling in the fourth.
Saka’s powerful strike was the result of an incisive pass from the Dutch international, which found Arsenal’s winger within six yards of Lucas Perri, who could not prevent the second goal from rippling the back of the net.
William Saliba – 7
Again, like Raya, Saliba was untroubled by the Leeds attackers. Alongside Gabriel, he was able to nullify any threats before they became too dangerous, preserving the Gunners’ second clean sheet of the campaign.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Arsenal’s defence has been the best in the league for the past two seasons and Gabriel has been a cornerstone of such a strong backline. Just like his partner, the Brazilian helped to maintain the Gunners’ clean sheet.
Riccardo Calafiori – 8
For the second consecutive game, Calafiori recorded a goal contribution. His rather ambitious long ball turned out to be the assist for Gyokeres’ first Arsenal goal before he unknowingly racked up a second as Timber converted for 4-0.
Martin Ødegaard – 6
The Gunners’ captain played just short of 30 minutes before being substituted with a suspected shoulder injury.
Whilst on the pitch, the Norwegian looked like the most dangerous Arsenal player in a first half that lacked tempo.
Martin Zubimendi – 8
Whilst Arsenal’s goal scorers received the majority of the plaudits, the work of Zubimendi seemed to go unnoticed. The ex-Sociedad won all of his aerial duels and two-thirds of his ground duels as he seemingly overpowered a physically superior Leeds midfield.
Declan Rice – 7
Rice looked more dangerous than during his outing at Old Trafford. The £100 million man contributed to the first goal as he won the ball back before laying it off to Timber.
He helped Zubimendi out at times by dropping into a double pivot that not many sides in the world can match in terms of quality.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Saka took his goal well and ran Gabriel Gudmundsson ragged before being substituted with an injury. Arsenal may miss their star player for the upcoming tie against the reigning champions.
Viktor Gyökeres – 8
(Credit: Julian Finney/ Getty Images).
In the first half, Gyokeres had a big chance which he spurned as Leeds attempted to play out from the back.
However, his fortunes changed after the interval as he ran the channels, driving inside from a Calafiori long-ball before drilling an effort into the bottom corner. He notched up a second on his tally as he converted from a penalty that was well-earned by Dowman.
Noni Madueke – 7
It took time for Madueke to settle into the game, but he offered more than his competition did against Manchester United. Fans got glimpses of real quality before he was substituted in the second half.
Substitutes:
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Didn’t affect the occasion as he would have liked, but did offer quality at times.
Max Dowman – 7
You have to feel for Gudmundsson. The Swedish defender had to deal with Saka, Madueke and Dowman in one match, with the latter forcing referee Jarred Gillett into his book after a reckless foul.
The 15-year-old won a penalty on his debut after a trip by Anton Stach in the box.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Lewis-Skelly replaced Calafiori and drew several fouls as he inverted from the left. However, with the Italian’s recent form, it is likely he will be preferred over the Hale End graduate.
Cristhian Mosquera – 6
It was another Arsenal debut as Mosquera replaced man of the match Timber with 30 minutes to go. The Spaniard looked comfortable at right back during his time on the pitch.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Earned a contract extension in the week. The game was already wrapped up when he came on.