Leaders Arsenal thrash Leeds 4-0 to end winless run, tighten grip on top spot

LONDON: Premier League leaders Arsenal returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 4-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday to move seven points clear at the top of the table.

The London side, playing without injured star Bukayo Saka, produced a dominant display to register their first league win in four matches and boost their title hopes.

Arsenal took control before halftime as Martin Zubimendi headed home in the 27th minute, before Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow gifted the visitors a second with an own goal.

After the break, Arsenal continued to press forward. Viktor Gyokeres struck with a well-taken volley, while Gabriel Jesus capped off the rout late on with a clever finish in the 86th minute.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his side’s performance and character.

“To win 4-0 here is very difficult. Big credit to the boys,” Arteta said. “The team showed dominance, resilience, character and quality.”

The victory lifts Arsenal to 53 points from 24 matches, while Manchester City and Aston Villa, both on 46 points, play on Sunday.

Saka’s late withdrawal due to a hip issue had raised concerns after Arsenal’s recent stuttering form, but his replacement Noni Madueke made an immediate impact, providing the cross for Zubimendi’s opener and forcing the corner that led to the second goal.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered a damaging 2-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, edging closer to relegation, while Everton climbed to eighth after a dramatic late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Brighton.

Chelsea host West Ham later on Saturday, while champions Liverpool face Newcastle to complete the day’s fixtures.