Arsenal 4-1 Leeds United: Jesus back on the goal trail as Gunners regain eight-point lead

Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Arsenal regained their eight-point lead at the Premier League summit by sweeping aside Leeds United 4-1.

Jesus marked his first start since November with a goal in each half at Emirates Stadium, while Ben White and Granit Xhaka were also on target for Arsenal.

Although Manchester City applied the pressure with their 4-1 victory over Liverpool earlier on Saturday, Mikel Arteta’s side did not relent as they comfortably secured a seventh straight league win.

Rasmus Kristensen’s goal gave Leeds hope before Xhaka rendered it a mere consolation for the visitors, who are only outside of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Leeds gave the league leaders a scare inside the opening minute when Kristensen drew a smart reflex save from Aaron Ramsdale.

Ramsdale was needed again after Jesus headed over at the other end, denying Crysencio Summerville following a neat one-two with Marc Roca, while he also kept Jack Harrison out from a tight angle.

But after weathering the storm, Arsenal drew first blood 10 minutes before the break with Jesus calmly rolling home from the penalty spot after he was felled by Luke Ayling.

The hosts doubled their lead within two minutes of the restart. White – an ever-present during Leeds’ Championship title-winning season three years ago – arrived at the far post to turn in Gabriel Martinelli’s delicious cross.

Jesus grabbed his second goal eight minutes later, the Brazil forward prodding home after combining superbly with Leandro Trossard.

Leeds pulled one back in the 76th minute when Kristensen’s shot deflected in via Oleksandr Zinchenko, but Xhaka headed in Martin Odegaard’s excellent delivery to ensure Arsenal had the final word.

Four goals.
Three points.
Two Gabby goals.
One big team win. pic.twitter.com/tAmZFZltbB

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 1, 2023

What does it mean? No Saka, no problem

Eyebrows were raised by the decision not to name Bukayo Saka in a Premier League starting line-up for the first time this season, though Arteta revealed the England winger has been suffering from illness.

Nevertheless, there was no stopping Arsenal as they made it seven successive league wins for the first time since 2018, with Saka coming on midway through the second half.

Meanwhile, Leeds are now without a win in their last 14 meetings with the Gunners, stretching back to a 3-2 success at Highbury in May 2003.

Jesus is back

It was not since a 2-0 victory over Wolves at Molineux on November 12 that Jesus last started for Arsenal, while he had not scored since doing so against Tottenham in October.

But it was like he had never been away on Saturday, as he demonstrated wonderful composure with his penalty, then tremendous instincts to arrive on cue and turn in Trossard’s cross for his second goal.

Jesus’ double came from a game-high four shots on goal (level with Martinelli). It might not be Easter quite yet, but Jesus is certainly back.

Trossard tallies up another assist

Trossard continues to shine for Arsenal following his January arrival from Brighton and Hove Albion.

His precise assist for Jesus was one of a game-high three key passes he registered, while only compatriot Kevin De Bruyne (12) has recorded more assists from open play in the Premier League this season (eight).

Key Opta Facts

– Arsenal have won all seven of their Premier League games on April 1 by an aggregate score of 25-3. It’s the best 100 per cent win record a side has on a specific date.
– Leeds have lost 17 Premier League games against Arsenal, their joint-most defeats against an opponent (also 17 against Liverpool and Man Utd).
– Arsenal have won three consecutive Premier League games by a margin of at least three goals for the first time since October 2015.
– Martinelli has two goals and two assists in his four Premier League games against Leeds – against no side does the Arsenal forward have more goal involvements.
– Xhaka has 12 goal involvements in all competitions this season (seven goals, five assists), his best return in a single campaign for Arsenal.

What’s next?

The next stop on Arsenal’s surge towards a first Premier League title in 19 years is Anfield, where they travel next Sunday to face Liverpool. Leeds’ quest for survival resumes when they welcome Nottingham Forest to Elland Road on Tuesday.