Looking for their first Premier League win since August, Leeds United played host to an Arsenal side fresh from an impressive 3-2 victory over Liverpool.
Any early momentum that either side could have gained was quickly dashed, however, when a power cut at Elland Road caused problems with referee Chris Kavanagh’s communications system, leading to a 37-minute delay to proceedings.
With the power back on, it was the hosts who started with more energy, before eventually testing Aaron Ramsdale in the Arsenal goal, when Liam Cooper forced the shot-stopper into a low, diving save to palm the ball away following a Leeds corner.
It was then the turn of Gabriel Jesus to spurn a promising opportunity, hitting an effort from close range uncharacteristically over the bar.
The Gunners made no mistake with their next chance, however, with Bukayo Saka taking advantage of Rodrigo’s misplaced crossfield pass, before finding the top corner of Illan Meslier’s near post to make it 1-0 in the 35th minute.
In an attempt to turn the game on its head, Jesse Marsch introduced Patrick Bamford at halftime in what was almost an instant tactical masterstroke. The striker found the back of the net in the 46th minute, only for the referee to signal for a foul from the Englishman after a push on Gabriel Magalhaes, to keep the score at 1-0 to Arsenal.
The Leeds pressure was certainly building as the game went on, and they received the ultimate chance to equalise when the referee pointed to the spot after a VAR check on Saliba’s handball inside the area.
Bamford stepped up, having changed the game, before sending a disappointing effort wide of the goal. The onslaught continued after the missed penalty, but Ramsdale denied the hosts yet again.
There was further drama in injury time when Leeds was awarded a penalty, and Gabriel Magalhaes a red card, for what looked like a kick out at Bamford. However, both calls were overruled and a yellow was awarded to Bamford instead for his initial foul on the Arsenal defender.
Arsenal held on to secure their longest winning run in all competition since October 2018 to go, perhaps momentarily, four points clear, leaving Leeds in 15th place.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
