Arsenal have defeated Leeds United to return to their eight-point lead on the Premier League table after Manchester city defeated Liverpool.
Recall that Arsenal went into the international break with an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Earlier on Saturday, April 1, Manchester City slashed the points deficit to five points after demolishing Liverpool 4-1 at the Etihad.
The Gunners needed a win against Leeds to return to their eight-point lead on top of the table.
Arsenal lineup
Mikel Arteta used the squad that defeated Crystal Palace before the international break with only one change made.
Aaron Ramsdale started at goal. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Rob Holdings started in the defense.
Granit Xhaka, Martin Oddegard, and Thomas Partey started in the midfield while Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli led the attack.
Leeds lineup
Leeds United lineup a 5-4-1 formation with Meslier on goal.
Luke Ayling, Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Junior Firpo, and Pascal Struijk started at the defense.
Crysencio Summerville, Brendan Aaronson, Marc Roca, and Jack Harrison started in the midfield while Luis Sinisterra led the attack.
A good start for Arsenal as the match kicked off
The referee set the game rolling with both sides trying to get something out of the game. Arsenal came close to opening the scoring just in the first minute of the game.
Gabriel Jesus delivered a pass to Martinelli who attempted a strike but his shot was blocked by Roca.
Arsenal continued to dominate play after the early attempt on goal. In the 9th minute, the Gunners came close again when Gabriel Martinelli had an attempt on goal but Meslier saved it to keep the scoreline barren.
Leeds had no chance against the Gunners and made no real impression on the Arsenal’s half except on counters which were foiled.
Leeds concede penalty
Leeds began to build attacking momentum in the 28th minute but were dealt a blow when they conceded a penalty in the 33rd minute.
It was an undisputed penalty call. Leeds defender Ayling slid down Gabriel Jesus in the box and the referee gave a penalty straight away after the defender made contact with the Brazil international.
Gabriel Jesus converted the spot-kick. He shot straight at the middle while Meslier flew to the right as the Gunners recorded their first goal.
Arsenal take narrow 1-0 lead into the break
After the opening goal, Arsenal ramped up pressure to double the lead in the few remaining minutes of the first half.
Three minutes were added to the first half and the Gunners came close to doubling the lead in the 45+2 minutes. Xhaka picked up Gabriel Jesus’ pass and fired a low shot off the post but the offside flag was raised.
The Gunners went into the break as a better side with a 1-0 lead.
Arsenal score a quick fire double in the second half
Arsenal took Leeds by storm in the second half. 10 minutes into the second half, the Premier League title hopefuls doubled the lead with quick goals in the 47th and 55th minutes.
Ben White opened the scoring in the second half after he crashed in Gabriel Martinelli’s cross into the net to make it 2-0 for the Gunners.
Gabriel Jesus bagged his brace after he scored again, firing Leandro Trossard’s cross into the net to make it 3-0 for Arsenal.
After a comfortable 3-0 lead, Mikel Arteta took off Thomas Partey for Jorginho and Gabriel Jesus for Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal still dominated play after tripling the score before the hour mark.
Nissen put one back for Leeds in the 76th minute but Arsenal restored the three-goal margin in the 84th minute with Granit Xhaka scoring the fourth goal for the Gunners as they ran out with a 4-1 win.
Arsenal are closer to their first Premier League title since 2003/04 season after the win.
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