Arsenal delivered a flawless response to their recent defeat by thrashing Leeds United 4-0 away from home, providing Mikel Arteta with a crucial momentum boost in the Premier League title race.
The victory, described as the “perfect response” after a loss to Manchester United, saw the Gunners showcase their resilience and tactical flexibility. Goals from Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyökeres, and Gabriel Jesus, with Martin Ødegaard providing key assists off the bench, sealed a dominant performance.
Arteta praised his team’s reaction, particularly highlighting Ødegaard’s impact. “So happy, so happy the way he reacted,” the manager said. “But in general, the team, and obviously certain individuals, it's normal. The opinion, the noise is part of that. What we can control is what we can do, how much we want it.”
The match wasn’t without concern, as Bukayo Saka was a late withdrawal due to a “niggle” in the warm-up. Arteta confirmed the decision was precautionary, with Noni Madueke stepping in. “He was ready, because you cannot do that in two minutes. The way he prepares, the way he's waiting for opportunity, I think he paid off today because he really impacted the team.”
Kai Havertz, starting his first league game since returning from a long-term hamstring injury, added aerial presence and physicality, vindicating Arteta’s selection based on the opponent's aggressive style.
The win moves Arsenal firmly back into title contention, with Declan Rice calling every remaining game a “cup final.” Attention now turns to a midweek League Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, where Arsenal will aim to overturn a first-leg deficit.
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