Reuters/Hannah McKay
Arsenal fought for a 2-1 win over Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium to move to the top of the Premier League for at least 24 hours.
The first half was a relatively cagey affair with Arsenal holding all the possession, but Leeds arguably created the best chances, but were wasteful with their final pass, and the teams went into the break level and goalless.
Both teams started the second half brightly too, with James Trafford making a great save to stop Martin Odegaard's strike, while Ao Tanaka also had a strike go close. But it was the visitors who took the lead at the Emirates in the 55th minute when James Justin blasted a strike into the empty net, after Raya couldn't stop a cutback from the wing.
Riccardo Calafiori found an equaliser just seven minutes later as he tapped in from six-yards out following Ben White's header across the box, before substitute Bruno Guimaraes fired a low strike into the corner in the 70th minute to give the champions the lead, and ultimately all three points.
David Raya The Best in the World
Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
David Raya - A
Arsenal eventually got the result they wanted in the game, but it could have been a lot worse without David Raya. He was the only one who played to a high level, and he cemented himself as the best goalkeeper in the world with his performance.
Ben White - C
White had a difficult first half with Leeds targeting his wing and finding themselves in dangerous positions. He was on the verge of being substituted at 1-0 down before his header across found Calafiori for the equaliser, rescuing him slightly. Still got taken off straight after that though.
Ezri Konsa - C
Konsa had a good performance, but initially struggled with the physical style of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Ultimately, he looked solid for the most part, and continues to show why the club pushed hard for his signature in the summer.
Gabriel - C-
The Brazilian is the leader of the defence, but he struggled with the power of Calvert-Lewin and the pace of Noah Okafor for much of the game. His leadership showed when the team went 1-0 down, but it wasn't his best performance in a red shirt.
Riccardo Calafiori - B+
Calafiori has developed a reputation for being the best left-back in the league over the last 12 months, and he continues to improve with every performance. A constant threat in attack, there was also very little coming the other way against him, and when it did he dealt with it brilliantly.
Declan Rice Struggles Despite Win
Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Declan Rice - C
Arsenal's most important midfielder, Rice didn't look quite at the races for most of the game. His passing was safe, his threat was limited, and Leeds were able to get through the midfield too easily. When the team went 1-0 down he stepped up though, and got a brilliant flick assist for Bruno Guimaraes' winner.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - C-
After a strong international break with England, Lewis-Skelly was given another start in Arsenal's midfield and performed well. His passing was good, he moved well, and defensively he was strong. Was rather unfortunate to be substituted with the Gunners chasing the win.
Bukayo Saka - D
After a good start to the season, Saka's form has tailed off slightly, and he turned in a poor performance by his own standards. He failed to create much at all down his wing, his passing was sloppy, and he was dealt with rather easily by Gabriel Gudmundsson. Arsenal fans will be hoping it's a one-off, rather than his level going forward. Missed a huge chance at the end too.
Martin Odegaard - B
The skipper struggled to get on the ball in the first half, and it showed as Arsenal failed to create much. But he took the game by the scruff of the neck when they fell behind, and put in a real captain's performance as he dominated the tempo of the game and found important passes to help the team come back.
Noni Madueke - D
Most fans didn't want to see the England international in the starting lineup for the game, and his performance showed why. He ran into trouble far too often, his final product was non-existent, and it was a surprise to see him complete the 90 minutes.
Bruno Guimaraes Ready to Start
Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
Kai Havertz - E
A surprise starter considering his injury during the international break with Germany, but Arsenal may have been better off with him on the sidelines in this game. He did very little when it came to helping the team hold up play or keep possession high up the pitch, and he wasn't given a sniff in front of goal either. A disappointing showing.
SUBSTITUTES
Bruno Guimaraes - B
Bruno was the big-money signing of the summer for the reigning champions, but he has been eased into the side since arriving. It's clear now that he is ready to play from the start, as his introduction turned the game on it's head and saw Arsenal dominate. Deserved his winner, and deserves a starting spot in the next game.
Viktor Gyokeres - D
Many expected the Sweden international to start after scoring in all four games during the international break, but he was reduced to a subs role once again. Should have done much better with a big chance at the end, but didn't even pull the trigger when the goalkeeper was stranded, and then should've got an assist but for Saka's miss.
Jurrien Timber - C
Timber continued his recovery from injury by replacing Ben White after the equaliser, and Leeds immediately struggled to create anything threatening from that point onwards. Showed why he is the best right-back at the club.
Piero Hincapie - N/A
Mikel Merino - N/A
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Arsenal Report Card vs Leeds
Player
David Raya
Ben White
Ezri Konsa
Gabriel
Riccardo Calafiori
Declan Rice
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Bukayo Saka
Martin Odegaard
Noni Madueke
Kai Havertz
Bruno Guimaraes
Viktor Gyokeres
Jurrien Timber
Piero Hincapie
Mikel Merino
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta watching on
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta watching on