While losing 1-0 to Aston Villa in their previous match, Yesterday’s match was a match to remember for the Gunners fans as Arsenal won 4-2 against Leeds United, where their Talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Scored his ‘First Hat-trick’ for the Gunners and have now broken their three-match losing streak. Arteta and the whole squad had been fresh out from their week-off and everyone expected them to come up with a strong plan and to win against an in-form Leeds United side, who were coming to the Emirates while winning three out of their four games. This match showed how much Leeds United and their coach Marcelo Bielsa missed their Talisman Kalvin Philips, who was an influential player on the field for Leeds as he missed the match because of an injury that happened to him during their previous match against Crystal Palace. There still came a time when Leeds scored their 2nd goal, everyone thought that a comeback was in the cards but then they left themselves with too much to do as Arsenal eventually hold on to that 2 goal margin and won by the scoreline 4-2. This win means that Arteta’s side is now once again sitting at 10th place in the points table, ahead of Leeds.
Arteta came up to this match with a change in his starting line-up and that was to keep his in-form player Nicolas Pepe out for this match and play Emile Smith Rowe on the left flank and Odegaard, who was in the starting line-up for the Gunners for the very first time, was playing the no.10 position and also Aubameyang was starting the match as he was replaced by Lacazette in the Centre-forward position. David Luiz and Brend leno were also starting for them in this game as they returned to the side completing their one-match suspension as they were shown red-card when they played against Wolves.
There were many positives and also some negatives for Arsenal from the match. Starting for the Goalkeeper’s position, Brend Leno made some pretty good saves in the first half and was unlucky to concede two goals as the first goal was a powerful header by Strujik which was impossible for him to stop and the second goal scored by Helder Costa was a blunder committed by his defense, but overall in the match, I guess he was not given enough chances to prove himself on the pitch. Talking of their defense, David Luiz was having a good game as he dribbled past Leeds United press two times in the first half but lost his mind when Saka was fouled and was denied a penalty by VAR. Gabriel looked like a more improved player as he made a few important tackles. Hector Bellarin did a pretty good job in the offensive as he moved forward well and scored a spectacular goal but disappointed with his defense as he gave too much space to Rafinha to shoot and allowed the second goal for Leeds which at that time looked like a crucial goal in the game.Dani Ceballos, who once again started for Arsenal for over a month replacing Thomas Partey also did a great job on the field as he went through the Leeds press. he did let go of the possession in some good positions but still ensured a solid return and fed the balls in some good positions, his nutmeg assist for Bellerin’s goal being the best highlight for him during the match.
Cedric Soares did a great job on the field as he defended his assigned flank and even forced Rafinha to try the other flank. He did missed some chances of making cross-passes as he is a right-footed player, but still overall had a good game. But the one player who had a perfect game was Granit Xhaka as he assisted Aubamaeyang’s first goal and overall in the match, he looked in pretty good touch as his range of passing was really good which was crucial for Arsenal to go through Leeds defense and he was efficient in keeping the possession and was also very handy in their defense. Odegaard who was starting for Gunners for the very first time, looked good in the first half as he had some good touch which tormented the Leeds press but was substituted in the 78th minute as he had slowed down in the second half but overall, he looks quite promising for Arsenal. Emile Smith Rowe, who was replacing Nicolas Pepe in the left flank did a good job, assisting Aubameyang to complete his Hat-trick and displayed his good form yet again and is now becoming a promising player for Arsenal to look forward to as he is just 20 years old.
Another young player who showed great strength and bravery was the 19-year old Bakuyo Saka as he pressed well in the box and challenged the Leeds defenders to tackle him, one time which lead to a penalty for Arsenal and one in the first half which was denied by VAR. And finally, The Captain Pierre- Emerick Aubamaeyang, who replaced Lacazette ahead of this match spearheading their attack scored his first Hat-trick for the Gunners and was very useful in linking up their game and finishing the chances created by their play. Overall speaking, Arsenal had a great game but was unlucky to keep a clean sheet because of some defensive mistakes.
Now, Arteta and his players will be focusing on their Europa League fixture that is against Benfica on Thursday and keeping in mind this win against Leeds United FC, they will look forward to have some progress for their Europa League campaign as well.
