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Arsenal secured an important 1-0 win over Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday, October 16. They have now won nine out of their first 10 league matches, the club's best ever start to a top division campaign.
The Gunners came into this game on the back of six wins in as many games. They were first in the table with 24 points prior to kick-off, with second-placed Manchester City taking on Liverpool later in the day.
Mikel Arteta fielded the same lineup that featured in Arsenal's 3-2 win over Liverpool, with Takehiro Tomiyasu keeping his place at left-back.
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Both teams went back and forth from the first whistle, which was strangely delayed by roughly 40 minutes due to a power cut. Arsenal started the first half well and created better chances.
Arsenal scored in the 35th minute when Saka pounced on a poor long ball from Rodrygo. Odegaard's smart pass then released Saka into space for him to smash it into the roof of the net. Arsenal led 1-0 at the break.
Leeds United appeared to have leveled the game twice within 20 minutes of the restart, only for both chances to be squandered. Patrick Bamford came off the bench and fired his team into a perfect start after half-time. However, the goal was disallowed after it was clear that Bamford fouled Gabriel in the build-up.
Fifteen minutes later, Leeds were awarded a penalty as William Saliba handled the ball in the box. However, Bamford failed to even hit the target and Leeds saw a big chance going begging.
There was more drama in second-half stoppage time as Arsenal were reduced to 10 men following a red card and a penalty for Leeds. However, after VAR's intervention, the decision was reversed. It was no penalty for Leeds and Gabriel only got a yellow card.
The game ended in a 1-0 win for Arsenal. That said, let's take a look at the five hits and flops from the game.
#5. Hit - Luis Sinisterra
Sinisterra looked lively on the left flank as he caused Arsenal's defenders several problems. He won nine of his 13 duels and completed both of his attempted dribbles. He also made two interceptions and won one tackle.
#4. Flop - Gabriel Jesus
Jesus failed to get involved in the Gunners' intricate moves as he looked a step slower than most of his teammates. This could be related to the head injury he suffered against Liverpool in the last game.
He attempted just one shot, which was off target. He won just three of his 13 duels as Leeds United's defense did well to block out the supply to the Brazilian. Jesus also lost possession 12 times in the match.
#3. Hit - Martin Odegaard
Odegaard made a strong start to the game and looked lively in the middle of the park. He completed three out of four long balls and grabbed an assist for Saka's goal.
Odegaard also won three of his four duels and completed two successful dribbles. His composure in midfield helped the Gunners control the game for the majority of the time until he was substituted.
#2. Flop - Patrick Bamford
Bamford came on in the second half as Jesse Marsch removed Rodrygo after a poor showing in the first period. Bamford appeared to have given his side the dream start, scoring just seconds after the restart. However, VAR reviewed the play and spotted a foul on Gabriel in the build-up and decided to overturn the decision.
Shortly after, Bamford had the opportunity to draw the game level from the penalty spot. However, he could not even hit the target. He was later involved in a scuffle with Gabriel after cheaply trying to get him sent off and would have succeeded had it not been for VAR.
#1. Hit - Bukayo Saka
Saka had a great game on the right flank and showed initiative to try and put Arsenal in front. His efforts bore fruit just before half-time as Odegaard played him through on goal. Saka then smashed the ball into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 after 35 minutes.
The speedy winger completed four of his 10 duels and also made six recoveries to help his team in defence.
