Arsenal star Granit Xhaka was spotted in conversation with William Saliba after being substituted in the 86th minute against Leeds United. The Gunners moved eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table with a 4-1 win against Javi Gracia's side at the Emirates Stadium.
Gabriel Jesus scored twice in his first Premier League start for the north Londoners since November last year, with Ben White and Xhaka both scoring goals on a comfortable afternoon for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta is still without Saliba as the French defender continues to recover from a back injury.
It is currently unclear when the 22-year-old will return to the squad with Arteta admitting he is hopeful that Saliba can play again this season. The Gunners have already lost Takehiro Tomiyasu through injury for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign with Rob Holding starting in Saliba's absence in defence.
READ MORE: Arsenal's next five Premier League fixtures compared to Man City in title race
Despite not being named in the squad, the Frenchman was spotted sat behind the substitutes with Arteta keen to keep his players close together heading into a crucial final run of fixtures. Xhaka has found his form once again after a strong start to the season, having scored in his last two Premier League appearances.
The Swiss midfielder headed home from a brilliant Martin Odegaard cross to make it 4-1 and secure the win for the league leaders. City had closed the gap to five points at the top of the table with a 4-1 win against Liverpool in the early kick-off, but Arsenal's response was emphatic as they overcame yet another hurdle.
Saliba was clearly impressed with Xhaka's performance and goal this afternoon as he shook the midfielder's hand and gave him a thumbs up after his substitution late in the match. Arteta was able to give a number of players key minutes this afternoon with Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, and Kieran Tierney all coming on off the bench, along with Bukayo Saka who was left out of the starting line-up after struggling with an illness earlier this week.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal line-ups vs Leeds United as Gabriel Jesus starts, Trossard dropped and Holding steps up
What Gabriel Jesus did to hand Mikel Arteta major Leandro Trossard Arsenal dilemma for Leeds
Latest Arsenal injury news as seven miss Leeds United with Thomas Partey update
What 'forgotten' Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe said about Mikel Arteta ahead of transfer audition
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Gabriel Jesus dilemma, William Saliba worry, Nicolas Pepe claim
