Arsenal welcomed Leeds United to the Emirates Stadium in their first home game of the Premier League season.
Mikel Arteta made two changes from the victory at Old Trafford as Jurrien Timber and Noni Madueke made their first starts of the campaign.
Arsenal confirmed the signing of Eberechi Eze before the game but endured a frustrating start to the game before Jurrien Timber headed home Declan Rice’s corner to open the scoring.
The Gunners doubled their lead just before half time as Timber’s perfectly weighted pass into Bukayo Saka was fired into the top corner from a tight angle.
The moment the whole stadium was waiting happened just after half time as Viktor Gyokeres opened his Premier League account with a powerful run and finish.
Timber added his second of the game and Arsenal’s fourth following another scramble at a corner before a late penalty from Gyokeres gave Arteta’s side made it a 100% start to the new campaign in style.
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Winners from Arsenal’s clash with Leeds United
Eberechi Eze
It really was a dream come true moment for Eze before the game as he was unveiled to his new adoring supporters.
After being released from the Hale End academy at 13 years of age, the England international has worked his way back to the Gunners the hard way after spells with QPR and Crystal Palace.
Walking out of the tunnel, Eze had a moment to take in the rapturous applause going on around him and takes the iconic number ten shirt – previously worn by a certain Dennis Bergkamp.
Jurrien Timber
Making his first start in the league since ankle surgery, Timber produced a timely reminder to Arteta as to why he was one of Arsenal’s best players last season.
The Dutch international faces an intriguing battle with Ben White for the right back spot this season, however, produced a goal and assist in a blistering performance for his side.
Timber was also his composed and assured self in defence up against the dangerous prospect of Willy Gnonto on the left flank for Leeds.
An excellent start to the season for Timber after a substitutes appearance against Manchester United and he now heads into the Liverpool clash full of confidence.
Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres missed a huge chance in the first half to open his account and it drew criticism from Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville over his lack of composure.
However, in a true show of character, the Swedish striker bounced back at the start of the second half by producing a powerful run in behind the Leeds down the left flank.
He then cut inside the defender and drilled the ball inside the near post for his first goal in the Premier League and take a huge weight off his shoulders.
An emphatic penalty in injury time put the icing on the cake for the 27-year-old as Max Dowman was tripped in the box following a weaving run.
Losers from Arsenal’s clash with Leeds United
Martin Odegaard
Arsenal’s injury crisis last season blighted their campaign and Arteta will be fearing the worst once again at the start of this campaign.
After Kai Havertz picked up a knee injury, skipper Martin Odegaard was forced off in the first half with what looked like a shoulder problem following a heavy collision.
The Norwegian started the game brightly with some excellent touches and got injured during a brilliant turn in the middle of the park.
Arsenal will now be hoping that it is just a knock and that they have a fully fit captain for the visit to Anfield before the international break.
Bukayo Saka
Saka was criticised for his performance against Manchester United but the 23-year-old winger well and truly announced his arrival into the new season.
He was Arsenal’s main attacking threat as always and constantly moved the Leeds defence about from side to side.
Saka took his goal brilliantly with a powerful strike on his right foot – something that took the goalkeeper by surprise.
However, another major injury concern then occurred in the second half for the Gunners as Saka limped off injured appearing to clutch his left hamstring.
Arteta is now facing the prospect of a repeat from last season whereby his most important attacking players are missing key periods of the season.
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