Arsenal annihilate Leeds in Emirates massacre to move top

Arsenal delivered a resounding 5-0 victory over Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, securing their seventh consecutive head-to-head win against the Yorkshire side in a Premier League masterclass.

The Gunners’ set-piece prowess and clinical finishing overwhelmed a spirited but outclassed Leeds, propelling Arsenal to the top of the early-season table.

The match began with Arsenal asserting control. Martin Odegaard, captaining the side, nearly broke the deadlock early, firing just wide from the edge of the box.

However, the skipper’s night was cut short by an injury before halftime.

Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal’s new signing, had a chance to open his account but dragged his shot wide after finding space in the box.

Leeds responded with a scare when Pascal Struijk’s header from a corner forced a sharp save from David Raya, keeping the score level.

The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute via Arsenal’s lethal set-piece game. Declan Rice’s pinpoint corner found Jurrien Timber, who powered a header into the far corner, marking Arsenal’s 32nd goal from corners since the 2023/24 season-a league-leading tally.

Timber turned provider just before the break, setting up Bukayo Saka, who unleashed a stunning first-time strike with his weaker right foot to make it 2-0.

The second half saw Arsenal pick up where they left off. In the 48th minute, Riccardo Calafiori’s incisive pass released Gyokeres through the channel.

The Swede cut inside and rifled a shot into the near post for his first Arsenal goal, igniting celebrations.

The joy was tempered when Saka limped off injured moments later, but Arsenal’s momentum didn’t waver.

Another corner in the 55th minute led to a scramble in the box, with Timber poking home his second goal to make it 4-0.

The final stages saw Arsenal hand a debut to 15-year-old prodigy Max Dowman, who injected energy into the attack.

In stoppage time, Dowman’s dynamic run earned a penalty, which Gyokeres calmly converted into the bottom corner for his brace, sealing the 5-0 rout.

The victory marked Arsenal’s 43rd consecutive home game unbeaten against newly-promoted sides, equaling a Premier League record.

Leeds, despite their seven-match winning streak coming into the game, were undone by Arsenal’s relentless pressure and set-piece mastery.