Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal survived a major scare against a feisty Leeds United to return to winning ways in the Premier League, recovering from a second-half deficit to claim a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.After struggling to break down Leeds’ well-organised defence for much of the first half, Arsenal fell behind in the 55th minute when James Justin blasted home after Gabriel Gudmundsson’s delivery found its way across the penalty area.But Riccardo Calafiori restored parity seven minutes later before substitute Bruno Guimaraes completed the comeback in the 70th minute, sparing Arsenal the prospect of a second successive league defeat.The victory was a timely response after Arsenal’s disappointing 0-3 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion in their last outing before the international break. It also provided a perfect celebration after Arteta signed a contract extension earlier in the week.
Leeds test Arsenal’s patience
Leeds frustrated the hosts with disciplined defending and threatened on the counterattack, making life difficult for an Arsenal side that struggled to turn promising attacking positions into clear-cut opportunities.“They are extremely well-organised, they are very physical, they are committed in everything that they do,” Arteta told TNT Sports.The Arsenal manager admitted his side had failed to make the most of their attacking opportunities in the first half, while conceding too many free kicks, throw-ins and set pieces.“When you don’t finish the actions, and we hit some great areas in the first half to have much more end product than we did, and we lost the ball just before the last action, and when that happens and they had moments to run, they are a threat,” he explained.Calafiori’s equaliser, which came after Ben White headed the ball back across goal, shifted the momentum. It was the Italian defender’s sixth goal for Arsenal, but his first at the Emirates.
Arteta’s triple change turns the tide
Arteta’s decision to introduce Guimaraes, Viktor Gyokeres and Jurrien Timber in the 63rd minute proved decisive, adding fresh energy, physicality and attacking intent.The winner arrived seven minutes later after a quickly taken free kick led to a slick passing move, with Declan Rice setting up Guimaraes to drive the ball into the bottom-left corner from outside the area.“We bring a lot of leadership in those three players — we brought a goal threat, we brought people who can win duels because it was very man-orientated, people that can get away from that, people that can play forward and penetrate,” Arteta said.The result moved Arsenal level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table, ahead of City’s match against Liverpool on Sunday.After weeks without his full squad during the international break, Arteta was relieved to see his players respond.“We reacted incredibly well. We really need to enjoy the victory, because we are realising how this Premier League is going to pan out,” he said.
