At the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta’s newly extended stay in north London began with a demanding afternoon rather than an easy celebration. Arsenal recovered from a goal down to beat Leeds United 2-1, ending Daniel Farke’s side’s unbeaten start and drawing level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City.
The news from the club
Arteta recently agreed a new Arsenal contract running until 2030, and Leeds were the first visitors since that announcement. They made the occasion uncomfortable for the home side, defending deep and repeatedly finding routes into transition through Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Arsenal struggled early to move the ball with the speed and accuracy required to open Leeds up. Farke’s team created the sharper first-half moments, with Stach seeing an effort at the far post strike his own teammate Bogel after a cross. Just before the interval, David Raya made an important close-range save from Gudmunsson to keep the match scoreless.
The hosts returned with greater purpose after the break. In the 50th minute, Noni Madueke delivered a low cross for Martin Odegaard, whose first-time effort from the edge of the area was held comfortably by James Trafford.
Leeds nevertheless took the lead five minutes later. Gudmunsson sent another low delivery across the box and Justin, arriving from defence, finished with Raya unable to intervene.
The visitors’ advantage lasted only seven minutes. Madueke’s cross reached the back post, where Ben White kept the move alive for Riccardo Calafiori to turn in the equaliser in the 62nd minute.
With the Emirates responding to the turnaround, Arsenal found a decisive second goal eight minutes later. A rapid move through a previously congested Leeds shape ended with Declan Rice supplying a backheel lay-off for substitute Bruno Guimaraes, who struck from outside the area to complete the comeback.
The pressure moves to Anfield
The result gives Arsenal three valuable points and leaves them level with Manchester City at the top of the table. City remain ahead but travel to Anfield on Sunday to face Liverpool, with Arteta’s side having ensured that the leaders will begin that match under renewed pressure.
