With a 5-0 victory at the Emirates, Victor Gyokeres gave Leeds a harsh lesson in the step-up to the Premier League.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard both suffered injuries eight days before Arsenal’s trip to Liverpool.
As the only two teams to have a 100% record in their opening two games, Arsenal surpassed north London rivals Tottenham at the top of the table in goal difference.
After Jurrien Timber opened the scoring, Saka fired a blistering strike from a close range to double the home side’s lead.
As a solution to Arsenal’s need for a killer number nine, Gyokeres was acquired from Sporting Lisbon.
Despite scoring 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting, the Swede’s ability to succeed in the Premier League has been questioned.
Before Timber bundled his second from another Declan Rice corner, Gyokeres made his mark with a strong solo run and finish.
With almost the final kick of the game, Gyokeres sealed the score from the penalty spot.
Before kick-off, new £60 million ($81 million) signing Eberechi Ezi was paraded after he turned down a move to Tottenham.
However, a routine win was hampered by the sight of captain Odegaard and his field-topping talisman Saka.
To win the season opener 1-0 at Manchester United, Arsenal needed to rely on their threat from set pieces.
Despite a dominant opening, the Leeds defense was considered to be highly competitive.
Before Saturday, Timber had only scored twice in 52 games for Arsenal.
The Dutch international doubled that total in the 34th minute when he first tapped Rice’s warm delivery head.
Odegaard then left after it appeared to have injured his shoulder, which was severely slammed against the turf.
Saka quickly restored the momentum of the Emirates crowd when he allegedly used his weak right foot to pass Timber high past Lucas Perri.
Before making the move to Portugal, Gyokeres had once been a target for Leeds while he was a player for Coventry in the Championship.
Arsenal’s new £66 million signing showed what the Yorkshire side had missed when he slammed onto Riccardo Calafiori’s ball over the top and cut inside before striking the near post.
Saka’s hamstring injury nearly cost her the season last year.
The England international was concerned for Arteta when he was replaced after 53 minutes by holding the back of his left leg.
When Leeds stifled another Rice corner and Timber forced the ball over the line from close range, Arsenal added a fouth.
Max Dowman, 15, could then have the opportunity to make his Premier League debut.
After teammate Ethan Nwaneri, he became the second youngest player to play in English football.
Source: Channels TV
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