Arsenal ratings: Xhaka is a real driving force who’s finally getting recognition he deserves but Trossard struggles
ARSENAL swept Leeds aside to continue their march towards a first Premier League title since 2004.
The Gunners had seen rivals Manchester City smash Liverpool 4-1 earlier in the day, but provided a perfect response.
Gabriel Jesus bagged his first goal since October from the penalty spot in the first-half – despite being accused of diving to win it.
Ben White then added a second against his former side just after half-time, before Jesus netted again.
Rasmus Kristensen grabbed what turned out to be a consolation for the visitors before Granit Xhaka adding gloss for the Gunners.
SunSport’s Mark Irwin rates each Gunners performer on a successful afternoon for Mikel Arteta’s side.
AARON RAMSDALE – 7
Forced into action after just ten seconds to save from Kristensen and was far busier than he would have like.
Denied the clean sheet he deserved by a big deflection off Zinchenko after important earlier saves from Summerville and Harrison.
BEN WHITE – 7
Not as adventurous as he has been in recent games, perhaps because he didn’t have Saka as an outlet ahead of him.
But he threw off the shackles right at the start of the second-half to put this game to bed with a priceless goal from close range.
ROB HOLDING – 7
Always up for the physical challenge and made a number of important interventions.
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He has proved to be a decent deputy for Saliba, even if he sometimes looked rushed in possession. Took the captain’s armband for the final few minutes.
GABRIEL – 6
Doesn’t look quite so assured without defensive partner Saliba alongside him but was still able to marshall his defence to keep Leeds away from his area for most of the game.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 6
Struggled early on against when Leeds were full of running but quickly established his authority.
His understanding with Xhaka down the left flank is crucial to so much of Arsenal’s attacking play.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7
Almost impossible to pin down drifting between the lines, he was constantly looking to unlock Leeds with his clever passes.
It looked as though the captain was going to take the penalty until he handed the ball to Jesus.
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Kept Arsenal on the front foot when they were struggling to get going during the first half hour.
Always on hand to snuff out any danger before he was given a well deserved rest on the hour with the points already secured.
GRANIT XHAKA – 8
Constantly on the move to open up spaces for his team-mates to exploit, it is only now that the fans are properly beginning to appreciate what he brings to their team.
A real driving force who full deserved his late header.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
With Bukayo Saka feeling under the weather, he started on the right wing but struggled to get into the game.
Finally came to life in the 56th minute when he served up Jesus’ second goal of the afternoon on a plate.
GABRIEL JESUS – 8
Making a first League start since his knee operation, he drew the foul for Arsenal’s 33rd minute penalty and sent Meslier the wrong way from the spot for his first goal in six months.
Struck again in the sixth minute before leaving the pitch to a standing ovation.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Almost caught Leeds out with a clever first time shot from distance which required a goal-line clearance from Ayling.
Constant thorn in Leeds’ side, it was his clever pass which set up White’s killer goal. Really deserved a goal of his own.
SUBSTITUTES
Jorginho (for Partey, 60) – 6
With the points already in the bag, his job was simply to make sure there were no late dramas.
Bukayo Saka (for Jesus, 60) – 6
His run of 51 consecutive Premier League starts finally came to an end but he was still able to get a decent run-out to see Arsenal over the line.
Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 85) – 5
Not on long enough to make an impact.
Emile Smith Rowe (for Odegaard, 85) – 5
Not on long enough to make an impact.
Fabio Vieira (for Xhaka, 86) – 5
Not on long enough to make an impact.
Subs not used: Kiwior, Nelson, Turner, Walters