Arsenal scored twice in eight minutes to overturn a deficit and beat a determined Leeds side 2-1 at Emirates Stadium, returning to winning ways after their 3-0 defeat by Brighton before the international break.
The result moves Arsenal level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City. Enzo Maresca’s side face Liverpool at Anfield on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Leeds had been the stronger team for much of the first hour and deservedly went ahead 10 minutes into the second half. James Justin finished at the far post after Gudmundsson’s cross travelled across the Arsenal penalty area.
David Raya had already been required to make four saves before Leeds took the lead, underlining the visitors’ control. Daniel Farke’s team had arrived with the joint-best defensive record in the division, leaving Arsenal facing the prospect of a second successive damaging result.
However, Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford handed the hosts a way back into the match. The England international, who was given an opportunity by Thomas Tuchel during the latest England camp, could not keep out Riccardo Calafiori’s close-range effort seven minutes after Justin’s goal.
Noni Madueke played a major role in the equaliser. Given the left-wing position in place of the injured Christos Tzolis, he had been Arsenal’s most effective attacking player and created the opening before Ben White’s ball across the area allowed Calafiori to tap in.
Mikel Arteta had appeared dissatisfied with Arsenal’s display, but remained calm on the touchline. He then made the triple substitution he had been planning, with Bruno Guimaraes among those introduced.
The Brazilian completed the turnaround five minutes after coming on. Martin Odegaard’s forward pass was expertly flicked on by Declan Rice, setting up Guimaraes on the edge of the box. He drove his shot into the bottom corner to put Arsenal ahead.
The victory capped a significant week for Arteta, who had earlier agreed a new contract running until 2030. His decision to start Madueke on the left and his introduction of Guimaraes both proved influential.
Key moments at Emirates Stadium
8 minutes: Noah Okafor saw an effort deflected narrowly wide of the far post after a cleared corner fell to him.
21 minutes: Madueke crossed from the left for Kai Havertz, whose header went straight at Trafford.
55 minutes: Gudmundsson’s delivery reached Justin at the back post and he struck Leeds in front.
62 minutes: White’s ball across the box left Calafiori with a simple finish.
70 minutes: Guimaraes fired Arsenal ahead after Rice’s flick released him.
83 minutes: Odegaard was unable to seal the points from close range when Rice’s cross struck his boot and Trafford gathered.
90+5 minutes: Bukayo Saka broke clear but sent his one-on-one effort wide.
