Luverpool’s Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring their second goal during their Premier League clash against Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool on Saturday. Arsenal settled fears of a collapse in their pursuit of a first Premier League title in 22 years by thrashing Leeds 4-0 on Saturday as Chelsea came from two goals down to beat West Ham 3-2. Liverpool were also forced to come from behind to secure their first league win of the year as Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz shone in a 4-1 win over Newcastle.
The Gunners’ advantage over Manchester City and Aston Villa at the top of the table stretches to seven points as Mikel Arteta’s men took another step towards the title at Elland Road. A first home defeat of the season last weekend to Manchester United capped a run of just two points from a possible nine in Arsenal’s previous three league games. After finishing runners-up for the past three seasons, questions were raised over the mentality of Arteta’s men and their ability to get over the line in a title race.
The visitors were dealt another blow before kick-off as Bukayo Saka was injured in the warm-up. But his replacement Noni Madueke played a major part in inflicting just a second defeat in 12 games on Leeds. “A very impressive performance, a very impressive result, especially in the context that we’ve done it,” said Arteta.
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Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow could then only parry another dangerous delivery from the England winger into his own goal before half-time. Despite a fine run of form, Leeds remain only six points above the relegation zone.
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