Arsenal thrashed Leeds United as fans seen urging Mikel Arteta to stick with one standout player. The Gunners now head to Anfield for their heavyweight clash with Liverpool.
Italian defender shines as Arsenal beat Leeds 5-0
Arsenal fans had plenty to cheer about while Arsenal cruised past Leeds with goals from Timber, Gyokeres, and Saka. While the attacking three will get the headlines, Riccardo Calafiori, with his quieter but equally effective performance stole the show.
After a season full of injuries, the Italian is establishing himself in the Gunners lineup. He not only defended well against Leeds but was also very active offensively. He had an assist to Gyokeres for the first goal, and the second assist in Timber’s brace. The player showed that he can do much more than just defend. His combination play was clean and he had electric speed on the dribble.
Fans didn’t miss a beat on social media. They hailed him as the man Arteta simply cannot afford to bench when Liverpool comes knocking. The Gunners may have bigger injury concerns with Saka and Odegaard both limping off. But, Calafiori’s performance eased some nerves.
He made key defensive stops and still found time to test the goalkeeper with efforts of his own. For a player once labeled fragile, he looked anything but.
Liverpool test on the horizon
As Liverpool game approaches, the fans believe Calafiori’s energy and full confidence will be essential against Salah and the rest of them. Arsenal will need every bit of character and control to cope against the attacking power of Liverpool, so it feels indescribable to leave a player in this sort of form out of the team.
The defender has earned his place not just through stats, but through presence. The North London side are chasing the title, and nights like this prove the importance of form players stepping up. Though Calafiori is not yet a star name. But, his rise is giving Arteta a headache of the best kind, one that comes from too much quality.
Author’s Opinion
Calafiori looks in great form at the moment. Against Liverpool, Arsenal will need balance and bravery, and right now he offers both. Dropping him would likely be a mistake.