Premier League leaders Arsenal returned to winning ways with an emphatic 4-0 victory at Leeds United to move seven points clear, while champions Liverpool crushed Newcastle United 4-1.
Bukayo Saka’s withdrawal due to a hip injury in the warm-up did not bode well for Arsenal whose loss at home to Manchester United last week following consecutive 0-0 draws, had raised questions about their nerve as they seek their first title since 2004.
Saka’s replacement Noni Madueke made a huge impact at Elland Road. It was his cross that Martin Zubimendi met to put Arsenal in front after 27 minutes, before his corner was fumbled into his own goal by Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow. 2-0 to Arsenal.
There was no way back after substitute Gabriel Martinelli did brilliantly down the right and whipped in a low cross that Viktor Gyokeres met with a volley past Darlow.
Martinelli’s fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus, also off the bench, then showed sparkling footwork before curling in a clinical finish in the 86th minute.
With Leeds having lost only once in their last 10 league games it looked like being a real test of the leaders’ mettle. However, the Gunners passed it in style as the depth of their squad was again on display.
Arsenal’s first victory in four Premier League games moved Mikel Arteta’s side to 53 points from 24 matches with Manchester City and Aston Villa, who both play on Sunday, on 46.
“To win 4-0 here is very difficult, let’s see when the next time that happens. Big credit to the boys,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who withstood a second-half soaking as the rain hammered down at Elland Road, said.
“The team showed a real dominance, resilience and character and obviously quality. I really liked the attitude of the team.”
Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle
At Anfield, Newcastle started briskly and Anthony Gordon put the visitors ahead in the 36th minute.
But Hugo Ekitike turned the game on its head, with goals in the 41st and 43rd minutes to turn the game around in style.
Florian Wirtz struck in the 67th minute to give Liverpool a commanding lead in style.
And then Ibrahima Konate, who was back after missing two games to attend his father’s funeral, scored deep into stoppage time to complete the rout.
“We came here with confidence, but I think tonight is also about team spirit,” Ekitike said. “Everybody tonight were running everywhere, it’s not about the ones you see on the score sheet.”
Liverpool are fifth in the table with 39 points, as Newcastle fell to 10th.
Saturday’s Premier League results
Brighton 1-1 Everton
Wolves 0-2 Bournemouth
Leeds 0-4 Arsenal
Chelsea 3-2 West Ham
Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle
