Leeds United 1-4 Arsenal: Match report and 3 talking points

Arsenal put up a dominant performance over their opponent and managed to comfortably earn three points at Elland Road.

Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal the lead in the 12th minute, smashing the ball into the back of the net after Alexandre Lacazette pressed and won the ball from Adam Forshaw.

He later got his second goal after a wonderful through ball from Granit Xhaka found him in space and he neatly clipped the ball over Meslier into the back of the net.

Bukayo Saka scored Arsenal’s third goal just before halftime to cap off a dominant first half that saw the Gunners have 11 shots on target.

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates with Kieran Tierney after scoring Arsenal’s third goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on December 18, 2021 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

11 – Arsenal’s 11 shots on target in the first half against Leeds is the most on record (since 2003-04) in the opening 45 minutes by any side in a single Premier League first half. Peppered. #LEEARS pic.twitter.com/zO8RjbcmAy

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 18, 2021

Arsenal should have been five or six goals ahead had they been a little more clinical. The home side managed to win a penalty after Benjamin White fouled Gelhardt in the box, the penalty was converted by Raphinha in what would be a consolation goal for Leeds United.

Emile Smith Rowe once again managed to get on to the scoresheet after coming off the bench and restored Arsenal’s three-goal lead with a first-time finish from a well-timed pass from Odegaard.

Here are three talking points.

1. Martinelli shows his finishing qualities

Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates after scoring Arsenal’s first goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on December 18, 2021 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Gabriel Martinelli once again showed ruthlessness in his finishing with two magnificent goals that left Mikel Arteta impressed.

The Brazilian youngster has ice running through his veins and is slowly rediscovering the form he had before he sustained a lengthy injury.

2. Mikel Arteta has things working out with the youngsters

Arsenal youngsters continue with their fine form and wonderful chemistry that has been the backbone of the club this season.

3 – In Gabriel Martinelli (20), Bukayo Saka (20) and Emile Smith Rowe (21), Arsenal have had three different players aged 21 or younger score for them in a single Premier League game for the very first time (excl. own goals). Talents. pic.twitter.com/PhXER40uTT

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 18, 2021

Alexandre Lacazette has also stepped up his performances in the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and wearing the captain’s armband as one of the experienced members on the pitch.

3. Arsenal end abyssal away run

The Gunners had not won a league game away from home since October and had lost their last three away games.

Today Arsenal showed that they can chip in with an away win to complement their solid home form.