Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 5-0 thrashing of a lost Leeds United side at the Emirates Stadium. Among the good and bad news, the Gunners witnessed Viktor Gyokeres' first ever goals in English soccer, giving hope of better days to come this season, as well as the introduction of Eberechi Eze before the start of the match.
Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners got off to a slow start in the opening minutes, as Odegaard almost scored with a curling shot and David Raya had to be alert to prevent Pascal Struijk from scoring at the other end. But Arsenal's first goal came from a well-rehearsed set-piece, Arteta's main weapon since the start of his spell with the Gunners.
Delcan Rice took a short corner and Jurrien Timber rose spectacularly to open the scoring, but still in the first half, Odegaard's 200th game for the Gunners ended frustratingly due to a collision with Anton Stach, requiring him to be substituted and creating very considerable worries for Mikel Arteta. At least, before the break, Saka extended the lead with a powerful shot into the top corner after being released by Timber.
But the second half was reserved for the Swedish striker's star to shine. Just three minutes after the break, Viktor Gyokeres cut inside and shot low to score Arsenal's third goal from a one-on-one opportunity and into the net for the first time in a Gunners shirt. The game continued with ease, and Timber scored his second goal with a clumsy finish after a Leeds defensive error from another corner.
Injuries to Odegaard and Saka cast a shadow on the win
Before match ends, Gyokeres converted a penalty conceded by Max Dowman, the 15-year-old sensation who was one of the highlights of pre-season and earned his chance in the Premier League during the first game at the Emirates. However, Arsenal are certainly concerned about the situation of Saka, who also left the field injured.