Gabriel Jesus’ ability to concentrate and successfully convert his penalty to give the hosts the lead at halftime was greatly aided by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard. In the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners lead Leeds 2-0 thanks to a penalty kick from Jesus after Luke Ayling fouled him. Minutes into the second half, Ben White added a second.
For today’s vital game, Mikel Arteta unexpectedly chose to include Bukayo Saka among the replacements. The Gunners manager disclosed that Saka had been under the weather before the game and decided to start Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard in the attack.
Following some injury issues over the international break, Thomas Partey participated in training this week and was deemed healthy. As Arsenal attempts to retake its eight-point advantage at the top of the league, Rob Holding makes his second consecutive start in defense with Gabriel Magalhaes. William Saliba remains out due to a back ailment.
With a decisive 4-1 victory over Liverpool in the early game, Manchester City cut the deficit to five points. Following City’s victory and with Pep Guardiola’s team still having a game left to play this season, Jack Grealish issued a warning to the Gunners.
In the first half of their match against Leeds, Arsenal struggled to make chances while Leeds had some strong stretches. As Arsenal enters the second half with a 1-0 advantage, Jesus’ penalty kick helped calm nerves around the stadium.
After sliding in and contacting Jesus’ knee with his own, Luke Ayling fouled the Brazilian striker inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick. Due to Saka’s absence from the team, Leeds players gathered around the penalty spot believing Odegaard was going to attempt the shot.
The Norwegian playmaker was merely keeping the ball in his possession to keep Jesus safe from any mind tricks, allowing the striker to get ready for the penalty kick at his own pace and score. The Brazilian gave the Gunners a vital lead, and he celebrated by pointing to Odegaard and hugging his captain.