Arsenal beat Leeds 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, with the winning goal scored by Bruno Guimaraes after coming on as a substitute. Mikel Arteta’s side secured their fifth win in six league matches, drawing level on points with leaders Manchester City.
Arsenal were trailing at 55 minutes, but the turnaround was driven by Riccardo Calafiori and Guimaraes. Calafori scored his first league goal of the season, and the Italian confirmed his status as a defender with the most goal involvements in the Premier League — with one goal and two assists. Guimaraes, a £75 million signing, scored twice from the bench for the first time this season, with both goals coming from outside the box. The 28-year-old Brazilian made his full league debut in the defeat to Brighton.
The match brought concerns for Arsenal. Piero Hincapie, who came on as a late substitute, was carried off during the warm-down, seen holding his right ankle as he was helped off by goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Hincapie, who signed a permanent deal this summer after a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen last season, has had muscle issues this season. In addition, William Saliba is injured.
Arsenal had previously lost 3-0 to Brighton, and against Leeds they were trailing for the third time in four league matches. David Raya saved a penalty. In defence, Ezri Konsa, signed from Aston Villa for £55 million, was in action, while in attack, Kai Havertz started the match after returning from international duty following an injury to his hamstring. Viktor Gyokeres remained on the bench; the Swedish player had scored four goals in each match during the last international break, but has not yet started a Premier League game. Eber Eze is out of form, while Mikel Arteta has used Non Maquie.
Ally McCoist stated that Leeds were brilliant for an hour. Mikel Arteta said that Bruno Guimaraes was not at the level against Brighton, but against Leeds there was much better, adding that the line between excellence and mediocrity is thin. Arsenal won the league last season, but this time they have conceded five goals in six matches.
