Arsenal narrowly avoided falling into the so-called "Drake curse" on Sunday as they registered a win over Leeds United in a tight affair at Elland Road. Bukayo Saka's emphatic finish was the only goal of the game, though it was far from being free of drama or suspense throughout.
Patrick Bamford's equaliser was ruled out on VAR review for a push on Gabriel, though the striker was given another chance to draw the game level through William Saliba's handball. The penalty kick was subsequently dragged wide by the forward, missing a golden opportunity.
Bamford would be involved again late on as he was seemingly on the end of a stray foot from Gabriel after he went to ground in the box, with the referee pointing to the spot and showing a red card. VAR reviewed it and adjudged the striker to have initiated things through an initial foul, overturning the decision.
READ MORE: 'Time-wasting' - National media react to Arsenal's narrow victory over Leeds to cement top spot
It proved to be a highly dramatic but important three points for the side, who went four points clear at the top of the Premier League table. "We made it very difficult for ourselves because we didn’t close the game and in the second half we made too many mistakes and that just gave opportunities and belief to Leeds," Mikel Arteta said in his review of the match. "In the second half, credit to Leeds they were really, really good, an incredible atmosphere and they deserve credit for that as well."
In earning a victory, the Gunners also overcame a so-called "curse" from famous music artist Drake. The Canadian rapper had placed a huge CA$833,333 (£533,000) bet on them to win in a double on his Instagram - though it is worth noting that the bookmakers he posted are partnered with him and he has since deleted the post.
The curse began as people on the internet claimed any sports person or club affiliated or interacting with Drake would then see a downfall in results. The bet could have then spelled bad news for the Gunners, however they survived despite his bet failing to settle.
That was because he also put Barcelona in as a two-fold, with the Blaugrana losing in the El Classico to Real Madrid - also wearing Drake's ovo logo as a sponsor as Spotify celebrated him becoming the first artist to reach 50 billion streams. So it appears as though the "curse" may live on for the time being, though the Gunners have broken it with their victory at the weekend.
READ NEXT:
Why Gabriel got angry with Martin Odegaard as Mikel Arteta shows love for Arsenal win vs Leeds
Ramsdale shines, Tomiyasu struggles and Arsenal battle - Winners and losers from 1-0 Leeds win
Every word Mikel Arteta said on VAR decisions, Arsenal game delay and Bukayo Saka
Arsenal player ratings vs Leeds United as Saliba and Tomiyasu struggle but Ramsdale superb
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
