Leeds United vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the fallout from Elland Road
Bukayo Saka’s first-half goal clinched Arsenal a hard-fought and controversial 1-0 win at Leeds and kept them top of the Premier League table on Sunday (16 October).
Saka slammed home an emphatic finish 10 minutes before the interval as Arsenal won for the ninth time in 10 league games this season. But Leeds, inspired by the half-time introduction of talisman Patrick Bamford, dominated the second period and will feel aggrieved to have lost. Play was suspended by referee Chris Kavanagh less than a minute after kick-off when all the match officials lost contact with the video assistant referee and goal-line technology due to a power cut. Kavanagh led the players off the pitch amid a chorus of boos and play did not resume until 2.40pm local time.
Thereafter, Leeds’ good start was undone by Rodrigo’s wayward pass deep in his own half, which led to Arsenal’s 35th-minute opener. Odegaard and Saka combined on the right edge of the area, and the England winger slammed home an angled finish into the roof of the net. The home fans were later lifted, however, when Leeds were awarded a penalty for a handball. Referee Kavanagh was initially unmoved by Leeds’ protests, but eventually pointed to the spot after consulting the replay monitor, only for Bamford to fire wide. Follow all the post-game reaction from Leeds vs Arsenal in the Premier League:
Leeds United vs Arsenal
The game is back underway. Hopefully, there will be no delays in this half.
Leeds United vs Arsenal
Substitution for Leeds. Rodrigo is replaced by Bamford in the striking position.
Leeds United vs Arsenal
Leeds looked dangerous when Sinisterra and Aaronson. Playing on the wings in a 4-2-3-1 system, they have offered the team width and have not been afraid to dribble the ball forward into the Arsenal third. However, the side lacks a conventional forward leading the line, with Rodrigo lacking confidence after his mistake and Bamford ready to come on. Arsenal have shown why they are at the top of the league. Under the press, Ramsdale, Saliba and Gabriel have controlled possession well, with the attacking trio of Saka, Martinelli and Jesus likely to combine for a goal again.
Leeds United vs Arsenal
The delayed first half ends with a goal from Saka the difference between the two sides. With the game paused for 30 minutes due to a power cut, it was Leeds who had the first opportunity. Moments after the restart, Sinisterra dragged a shot wide before Struijk had his poked effort pushed away by Ramsdale. On the counter, Jesus chipped the ball over the bar, with Odegaard having his free-kick saved. It was an end-to-end opening 45 minutes, with Arsenal scoring the only goal. After Rodrigo’s long pass was intercepted by Saka, the England international played a one-two with the captain before rifling the ball into the roof of the net.
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