What ‘exciting’ Arsenal star did in the 48th minute vs Leeds explains Mikel Arteta gamble

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Mikel Arteta made two changes to his starting XI to face Leeds United, with Jurrien Timber and Noni Madueke coming in.

After Ben White picked up an injury, Arteta restored Timber to the starting XI and will be glad that he did so. 

The Dutchman scored twice and got an assist in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds, collecting a thoroughly deserved man of the match award. 

It was a delightful day for the Gunners, especially as there was also time for Arteta to introduce 15-year-old Max Dowman to make his Premier League debut. 

Another decision that might’ve come as a surprise was to keep Myles Lewis-Skelly on the bench, as Arteta continued his experiment with Riccardo Calafiori as the starting left-back. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal stars are all saying the same thing to Max Dowman after historic debut vs Leeds

Riccardo Calafiori’s assist for Viktor Gyokeres was a game-changer

Dropping Lewis-Skelly in favour of Calafiori was a gamble from Arteta against Man United, but it was one that paid off as the Gunners kept a clean sheet. 

It was therefore unsurprising to see the 23-year-old retain his place in the squad against Leeds, where he made it clear why his manager has so much trust in him.

Described as ‘exciting’ by Tony Adams, Calafiori adds a whole new dimension to the Arsenal squad, starting in defence but so often showing his ability going forward. 

Against Leeds, the Italian was so often seen inverting into midfield and taking up positions higher up the pitch, which led to something Arsenal so desperately needed.

Viktor Gyokeres looked isolated in the first half, something that Arteta surely commented on at half-time, and it was Calafiori who stepped up to make the difference. 

In the 48th minute of play, the defender stepped into midfield and played the ball over the top for Gyokeres to chase.

The striker got on the end of the pass and seconds later, converted his shot to get off the mark in the Premier League.

Calafiori managed to do something that no player did against Manchester United and no player did in the opening half against Leeds, playing an early and direct pass to his striker. 

Calafiori answered Mikel Arteta’s call

The Italian’s defensive stability is often questioned, but what can’t be denied is how he can so confidently rise above his teammates in an attempt to change a game.

After Arsenal’s win, it became clear that Arteta is demanding more from his players to better support Gyokeres, something Calafiori initiated. 

“That will help us to evolve and find other ways of attacking teams and connecting with each other,” Arteta said of Gyokeres’ goal.

“It’s clear where Viktor is really dangerous, but he’s a superpower, and let’s put him as much as possible in those kinds of scenarios because something good will happen.”

After passing from side to side and going down the outside in the first half, Calafiori lofted one ball in behind to Gyokeres’ delight, something that would’ve strengthened the defender’s claim to the starting XI.