Arsenal recovered from a goal down to beat Leeds United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimaraes completing a second-half turnaround.
The Premier League champions were far from convincing for much of the afternoon but eventually responded to James Justin’s opener to secure three important points.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta demanded a reaction following the 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break, although his players initially struggled to deliver one.
Leeds looked organised and dangerous on the counterattack, repeatedly exposing gaps in Arsenal’s defence.
Kai Havertz had the hosts’ clearest first-half opportunity, but his header from Noni Madueke’s delivery was comfortably saved by James Trafford.
At the other end, David Raya was considerably busier, denying Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson as Leeds threatened to take control.
Arsenal reached half-time without conceding, although their performance offered little encouragement that a breakthrough was imminent.
Martin Odegaard tested Trafford shortly after the restart, but Leeds continued to create the better opportunities.
Their pressure finally paid off in the 55th minute when Gudmundsson delivered a low cross for Justin to finish beyond Raya.
The goal exposed Arsenal’s defensive vulnerability once again and threatened to leave the champions facing consecutive league defeats.
However, the setback finally sparked the urgency that had been missing from their performance.
Madueke’s deep cross found Ben White, whose header back across goal allowed Calafiori to bundle home the equaliser.
Arteta immediately introduced fresh legs, including Guimaraes, whose energy and aggression transformed Arsenal’s midfield.
The Brazilian gave the hosts greater control and purpose before producing the decisive moment nine minutes after his introduction.
Bukayo Saka combined with Odegaard down the left before Declan Rice’s clever backheel released Guimaraes, who guided a composed finish into the corner.
Arsenal suddenly looked a different team, pressing with greater intensity and creating further opportunities against a tiring Leeds defence.
Odegaard was denied from close range, while Saka also failed to convert a promising one-on-one opportunity.
Nevertheless, the champions protected their advantage to record an eighth successive Premier League victory over Leeds.
The defeat ended Daniel Farke’s side’s unbeaten start to the league campaign despite an impressive display.
For Arsenal, the victory was far from straightforward, with their defensive struggles and slow start remaining concerns.
However, the determination shown after falling behind provided a timely reminder of the resilience that helped deliver last season’s title.
The result moves Arsenal level on points with Manchester City, at least temporarily, as their title defence returns to winning ways.