Arsenal came from behind to beat Leeds United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, with a tactical switch from Mikel Arteta inspiring the turnaround. The win moved the Gunners level with Premier League leaders Manchester City, albeit temporarily.
Leeds dominate early exchanges
Leeds were the better side for much of the contest, repeatedly overloading Arsenal down the flanks through their full-backs Gabriel Gudmundsson and James Justin. The Gunners' wingers failed to track their runs, leaving Arsenal overrun and chasing shadows for large periods.
Gudmundsson had the chance of the first half, finding himself unmarked and forcing a fantastic save from David Raya. Leeds finally broke the deadlock when Justin, unmarked, smashed the ball into the top-left corner.
Arteta's substitution changes the game
Arsenal looked down and out, but the champions showed their mettle, finding a way to win as they did during their title-winning campaign. Arteta introduced summer recruit Bruno Guimaraes, who immediately seized control of the midfield and drove Arsenal forward.
Riccardo Calafiori volleyed the Gunners level before Guimaraes completed the turnaround, firing past James Trafford from outside the box as Arsenal turned the game on its head.
Title race implications
On another day, Leeds might have returned to Yorkshire with three points, but Arsenal proved why they are champions and why the defeat at Brighton was just a speed bump. All eyes now turn to Manchester City, who travel to Anfield on Sunday afternoon, with the title race on and Arsenal having done their job.
