Arsenal eventually found a way past Leeds, but this was far from a comfortable afternoon at the Emirates.
The previously unbeaten visitors deservedly went ahead after the break before Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimaraes turned the game around.
Here are our Arsenal player ratings from the 2-1 victory.
Raya keeps Arsenal in it before Calafiori responds
David Raya – 8
Arguably Arsenal’s best player while Leeds were on top. Produced several important saves and remained composed with the ball. Could do little about Justin’s opener, but his saves before then were crucial in keeping Arsenal in the game.
Ben White – 7
A solid return to the starting XI after injury. Defended reasonably well and his header across goal created Calafiori’s equaliser before he was replaced.
Ezri Konsa – 8
Considering his fitness uncertainty beforehand, this was an impressive performance. Strong in the challenge, calm in possession and generally dealt well with Leeds’ attacking threat.
Gabriel – 6
Not quite the commanding Gabriel we are accustomed to seeing. Had some uncomfortable moments but improved as Arsenal regained control.
Riccardo Calafiori – 8
Another hugely influential display. Offered attacking intent throughout and reacted superbly to score the goal that completely changed the momentum of the game.
Declan Rice – 8.5
Worked relentlessly and became increasingly influential. His clever backheel in the move for Bruno’s winner summed up the quality he can produce when Arsenal need something different. I think his decision to rest during the international break was a good one.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Neat enough in possession but struggled to impose himself on a congested midfield. Arsenal became more threatening following the changes, with Guimaraes coming on in Lewis-Skelly’s place.
Martin Odegaard – 7
Far from his most dominant performance and should have made more of one promising opportunity, but kept demanding the ball and grew into the contest as Arsenal started to dominate.
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Bruno provides the spark Arsenal were missing
Noni Madueke – 7
One of Arsenal’s more direct threats and willing to run at Leeds. Had bright moments going forward, although he could have done more defensively for the opening goal. I didn’t think he did a bad job replacing the injured Tzolis on the left, but he wasn’t great and got turned over a fair few times.
Bukayo Saka – 6
A relatively quiet game by his standards. Leeds worked hard to limit his influence and a couple of promising moments lacked the final execution. I still don’t understand what happened with his open goal-scoring opportunity in the final minute of the game.
Kai Havertz – 5
Couldn’t impose himself consistently as Arsenal’s focal point. Had opportunities in the first half but the attack looked more dangerous after Gyokeres arrived.
Bruno Guimaraes – 9 – Player of the Match
Exactly the impact Arteta wanted from the bench. Added urgency and aggression to midfield before producing an excellent low finish for the winner.
Viktor Gyokeres – 6
Immediately gave the Leeds defence a different physical problem. His movement and presence helped create more space for those around him. Why he didn’t shoot when he’d got past the Leeds keeper, I do not know.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Brought energy and greater attacking intent down the right and helped Arsenal sustain pressure during their strongest spell, but at one point he seemed to keep passing the ball back to Leeds.
Piero Hincapie – 6
Introduced to help protect the lead and did what was required without fuss.
Mikel Merino – N/A
Not on long enough to merit a rating.
As Ray Parlour said afterwards, Arsenal “found a way”, and sometimes that matters more than producing the perfect performance.
Do you agree with our ratings? Who was your Player of the Match, and who would you mark higher or lower? Let us know in the comments below.
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