Gunners comfortable against depleted Leeds

A first-half in watch Arsenal took advantage of some suicidal Leeds United defending helped the Gunners take all three points at Elland Road.

Action: Leeds have such a barebones squad due to injures that 15-year old Archie Gray made the bench for Marcelo Bielsa’s team against a full-strength Arsenal.

While Leeds can be excused for having difficulties with their thin squad, it doesn’t explain the Whites’ suicidal defending.

Arsenal frequently won the ball from Leeds in their own half and got the first goal of the game when captain Alexandre Lacazette tackled Adam Forshaw inside the Leeds area. The ball fell kindly to Gabriel Martinelli, who finished cooly past Illan Meslier.
 
There was the occasional bright spot for the home team. Raphinha almost equalised when Leeds countered after a Gunners corner. The Brazilian did well to find space to shoot but dragged his effort wide.
 
With just under half an hour gone, Leeds again conceded possession – this time in the centre of the park for Granit Xhaka to pounce and play in a ball for Martinelli. The Brazilian’s first touch wasn’t great but he recovered to scoop his effort over Meslier and double Arsenal’s lead.
 
Leeds injury issues were compounded soon after when Jack Harrison had to be replaced by Crysencio Summerville. The club may have other serious problems to deal with too when Arsenal substitute Rob Holding signalled to the fourth official that was something was said to one of the Arsenal players by the fans – reports alleging that it was racial abuse that will surely be investigated. 
 
The Gunners went into the break 3-0 up after Bukayo Saka made it three with his deflected effort, but considering all the chances the Bielsa’s team gave away it could have been much worse.
 
Leeds did improve after the break though, with the game far less one-sided. Indeed, the home side pulled one back in the 75th minute when Ben White fouled Joe Gelhardt. Raphinha’s penalty gave Aaron Ramsdale absolutely no chance. 
 
But the potential comeback was squashed when Emile Smith Rowe stole the ball from Tyler Roberts. Martin Odegaard took over and found Smith Rowe again for the substitute to lash the ball home.

Big Picture: It's another impressive performance from Mikel Arteta's team to solidify fourth place after three wins on the bounce. For Leeds, it's difficult to find a way out of this mess without bringing in some reinforcements.

Man of the Match: Gabriel Martinelli took both of his goals beautifully. The Brazilian now has four goals and two assists in his last six games.

xG: Leeds (1.47) 1-4 (3.60) Arsenal

Stat of the Day:

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