Arsenal silenced doubters with a 4-0 demolition of Leeds, extending their lead at the top to seven points in a commanding title statement.
ARSENAL delivered a powerful response to recent criticism with a 4-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road.
The win extends their lead at the Premier League summit to seven points over Manchester City and Aston Villa, who both play on Sunday.
Questions over the team’s mentality had surfaced after a run of just two points from their previous three league games.
They were dealt a pre-match blow when Bukayo Saka was injured during the warm-up.
His replacement, Noni Madueke, proved instrumental in inflicting only a second defeat in 12 games on the hosts.
Madueke’s cross was headed in by Martin Zubimendi to open the scoring before half-time.
The England winger then forced Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow into an own goal from another dangerous delivery.
Leeds’ first home defeat since November was sealed when Viktor Gyokeres blasted in his 11th goal since joining from Sporting Lisbon.
Substitute Gabriel Jesus completed the rout with a blistering strike four minutes from time.
Arsenal will now hope local rivals Tottenham can do them a favour when City visit north London.
In Saturday’s other results, Everton snatched a 1-1 draw at Brighton thanks to Beto’s 97th-minute equaliser.
Bournemouth eased any relegation fears with a 2-0 win at bottom club Wolves, climbing to 12th.
