Arsenal increased their lead at the top of the table to seven points with a victory over Leeds United, their first league win in four Premier League games.
Noni Madueke was not supposed to start the game and was a late substitute for winger Bukayo Saka, who limped out of the warm-up due to a hip injury.
And Madueke, who has had to play as a backup for the majority of the season, seized his opportunity to impress when he curled in a beautiful cross for Martin Zubimendi to head Arsenal ahead.
The home side started strongly, but Arsenal pressed Leeds back for much of the first half, winning several corners and throw-ins to put pressure on the Leeds defense.
Arsenal doubled their advantage from one of these corners when Madueke’s curling throw caught goalkeeper Karl Darlow off guard, forcing him to smash the ball into his own net.
Viktor Gyokeres then ensured a smooth finish to the game by battling to get on the end of Gabriel Martinelli’s inviting cross, making it 3-0, before replacement Gabriel Jesus scored a fourth late on.
Arsenal was expected to deliver a result given their recent form, and they secured a vital victory to put pressure on their title rivals, Manchester City and Aston Villa, who do not play until Sunday.
