The final stretch of the Premier League season is finally underway after the last international break of the campaign concluded this week. Arsenal started the weekend eight points ahead of title rivals Manchester City with an extra game played, but their 4-1 thrashing of Liverpool early on Saturday meant pressure was back on the Gunners to maintain their gap.
Mikel Arteta’s side welcomed relegation candidates Leeds United to the Emirates Stadium in hope of continuing their winning streak. A new look frontline of Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli certainly made their mark.
The former grabbed his first goal since his return from a long-term knee injury ten minutes before the halfway point of the clash. Ben White doubled the lead shortly after half-time as Jesus quickly added another for his brace.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Gabriel Jesus comeback, Ben White and Leandro Trossard's form
Rasmus Kristensen pulled one back 15 minutes from time, adding further questions to Arsenal’s current defensive woes, but Granit Xhaka rounded off the scoring with a late finish. It’s yet another game ticked off the list for the side as they edge closer to the end of the season with their lead intact.
The national media have had their say on the performance as usual, with the Gunners coming in for plenty of praise.
The Guardian noted the ease with which the north London outfit managed to shrug off their Yorkshire counterparts in the tie, praising their progression to reach this point. The match report reads: “The marvel of this comfortable, ultimately emphatic victory for Arsenal was its sheer mundanity.
“They were smooth enough, scored four goals and could have added more, but if they navigate the next two months successfully it would be some feat to recall the highlights of Leeds’s visit in minute detail.
“That, in itself, tends to be the sign of a team’s transition into title winners. Arsenal have rolled through their past three top-flight games, winning them all serenely but patently leaving something in reserve.”
The Mirror’s report centred around six things learned from the game itself, with one key point being the impressive performances of Ben White in recent weeks, linking it to his recent England snub.
The report states: “The 25-year-old, who's thrived at right-back role this season, wasn't selected by Gareth Southgate for the latest England squad last month but his defensive qualities are clear for all to see.
"His knack of getting on the scoresheet is becoming a feather in his cap, too.”
The Telegraph decided to focus on the return of talisman Gabriel Jesus, labelling his form a huge boost to the side. The report reads: “It is testament to Arsenal’s strength as a team that the lengthy absence of Jesus did not derail their title charge over the past few months.
“This, clearly, is no one-man team. But there is also no doubt that Jesus makes them better, adding a different physicality and flexibility to the front line.”
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