Arsenal winger, Gabriel Martinelli scored twice at Elland Road, to compound Leeds Uniteds’ misery and boost The Gunners’ top 4 hope
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal played Leeds United at Elland Road in the only Premier League match played on Saturday, December 18, the other five games were postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
Leeds, who are the host, came into the game on the back of a 7-0 humiliation from the defending champion and league leaders, Manchester City.
The visitors on the other hand comfortably won the local derby against their London rival, West Ham United at the Emirate Stadium.
Having dominated ball possession from the kickoff, The Gunners were duly rewarded in the 16th minute, when inform striker, Gabriel Martinelli scored after an assist from stand-in captain, Lacazette to make it 1-0 to the visitors.
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Arsenal soon doubled their advantage in the 28th minute, when Granit Xhaka sent a defense splitting pass to Gabriel Martinelli
to score a brace and make it 2-0 to the Gunners.
Bukayo Saka made it 3-0 to the visitors in the 42nd minute when he coolly dispatched a rebound from Lacazette.
Raphinha pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 75th minute after Ben White was judged to have tripped Joe Gelhardt, to reduce the tally to 3-1.
Arsenal substitute Emile Smith Rowe wrapped up an emphatic victory in the 84th minute after he scored from a pass from Martin Odegaard to end the match 4-1.
The result takes Arsenal 4 points adrift of their West Ham United, and in firm control of the last Champions League spot.