produced a second-half fightback to edge a hard-fought 2-1 win over Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, climbing level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with 15 points. The reigning champions had looked short of their best for long spells, but goals from Riccardo Calafiori and substitute turned the game around after James Justin had put the visitors ahead.
The result ends Leeds’ unbeaten start to the season and leaves them fifth on nine points. remain top on goal difference ahead of their trip to Anfield on Sunday.
A tight, low-scoring first half gave way to a more open contest after the break. Leeds, well organised under Daniel Farke, carried the greater threat early in the second period and finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Gabriel Gudmundsson worked space on the left and delivered a low cross that slipped across the face of goal. James Justin arrived unmarked to steer the ball past David Raya.
It was a moment the travelling support had waited a long time for. Leeds had not celebrated a league victory at Arsenal since 2003, and for an hour they looked capable of extending that drought for the hosts. Arsenal’s defence, which had been so solid in their opening four wins of the campaign, looked more vulnerable after the 3-0 defeat at Brighton that preceded the international break.
The response arrived quickly. In the 62nd minute, Ben White met a deep cross and flicked the ball into the path of Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian finished simply from close range to restore parity. The goal shifted the mood inside the stadium and gave the platform to make changes.
Almost immediately the Arsenal manager introduced a triple substitution that included the £75 million summer arrival, Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian midfielder, signed from Newcastle, had already shown he can influence matches from the bench this season. His introduction injected energy and purpose into Arsenal’s midfield as the home side began to dominate possession.
Eight minutes later, the comeback was complete. A flowing move involving Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice ended with Rice’s clever backheel finding Guimaraes on the edge of the area. The Brazilian drove a low shot past James Trafford and into the corner for his first goal at the Emirates.
Bruno Guimaraes later reflected on the importance of the result. “Unbelievable. Against Brighton we were not at the level. This was all about bouncing back. This is my first official game at home. Great finish, I am very happy. My job if on the bench is to give a headache to the manager. I have been proving myself in the Premier League but it was important for me today. Leeds have a great team, a top game. Glad we could get the three points.”
Leeds pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not find a way past an improving Arsenal defence. Trafford produced a late save to deny Saka, yet the visitors ultimately left empty-handed after giving the champions a genuine test.
The three points put Arsenal’s title defence back on track after the setback at the Amex. With still to play, the Gunners sit level on points but trail on goal difference. Arteta will take encouragement from the character shown once the team fell behind, even if the performance for the opening hour was far from vintage.
