Arsenal’s third league success in a row consolidated fourth spot within the standings, whereas Leeds’ second successive hammering left them down in sixteenth, 5 away from the drop zone, however having performed three extra video games than Burnley in 18th.
The guests had been properly on prime from the beginning in opposition to an injury-ravaged Leeds. House goalkeeper Illan Meslier was compelled right into a high quality save because the hosts’ defence nonetheless regarded shell-shocked after their mauling on the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
Saka ought to have scored from the rebound, however Arsenal didn’t have to attend lengthy for the opener as Martinelli, main the road rather than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who was once more unnoticed for a disciplinary breach, arrowed a shot into the highest nook.
The Gunners continued to dominate, with Scotland full again Kieran Tierney forcing one other high quality save out of Meslier, earlier than the hosts mustered their first assault as Rafinha fired vast.
Martinelli, whose Arsenal profession has been tormented by damage, made it two after brilliantly latching onto Granit Xhaka’s by way of go and lofting the ball over Meslier.
Saka’s objective had a component of fortune about it as a deflection took it previous Meslier whose efficiency ensured it was solely three on the break.
Arsenal’s 11 photographs on track within the first half is probably the most within the opening 45 minutes by any aspect in a single Premier League match since 2003-04, when Opta began gathering such stats.
Leeds improved within the second half and deservedly obtained a lifeline when Ben White fouled Joe Gelhardt within the penalty space and Rafinha hammered within the spot-kick.
With out injured striker Patrick Bamford, nevertheless, Leeds lacked the firepower to finish the turnaround and Smith Rowe’s calm end ended their faint hopes.
It was the primary time Leeds have misplaced three successive league video games beneath supervisor Marcelo Bielsa.
