Arsenal returned from a 20-day Premier League pause with a comeback that steadied the champions after their bruising 3-0 defeat at Brighton. Leeds United had the Emirates uneasy for more than an hour, but Mikel Arteta’s side found enough composure, and enough substitutes, to turn a difficult afternoon into a 2-1 win.
Quick facts
- Arsenal were back in league action after a 20-day break.
- Leeds took the lead through James Justin in the 55th minute.
- Riccardo Calafiori levelled after Ben White’s delivery.
- Bruno Guimaraes struck the winner following Arteta’s triple substitution.
- Arsenal now switch focus to Lille in the Champions League.
The home side began with possession but little sparkle, despite Arteta having recently renewed his contract. Leeds, comfortable without the ball and sharp when they had it, carried the greater threat in a subdued first half.
Noah Okafor produced the first serious moment, driving in a shot from outside the box that Bukayo Saka diverted behind when it appeared to be heading beyond David Raya. Arsenal’s passing was slow and Leeds were able to move forward against a defence that did not look entirely settled.
Just before the interval, Leeds should have been ahead. A cross from the right reached Gudmundsson close to goal, only for Raya to make a reflex save that kept Arsenal level.
There was no immediate alteration from Arteta after the restart, and Leeds soon made their spell of pressure count. Justin scored in the 55th minute, leaving Arsenal rattled as the visitors continued to find room around the home penalty area.
The response came through Arsenal’s full-backs. White picked out Calafiori, who finished from close range to beat James Trafford and give the Emirates something to hold on to.
Calafiori then went close again as the match began to tilt towards the Leeds goal. Arteta made three changes in one go, and the manager’s intervention soon had its reward.
Saka, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice combined in a move that ended with Rice providing a backheel for Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian took the invitation from the edge of the area and drove his finish past Trafford for the winner.
Arsenal controlled matters more convincingly after going ahead, though there were further chances to settle it. Odegaard threatened, while Saka was denied by Trafford in a late one-on-one.
It was not a flawless restart for Arsenal, but it was a useful one. After nearly three weeks to dwell on Brighton, Arteta’s side have regained their winning habit before Lille arrive in the Champions League.
