Leeds 0-4 Arsenal: Noni Madueke inspires Gunners back to winning ways for seven-point lead at top of Premier League
Report and free match highlights as Arsenal beat Leeds 4-0; Gunners lost Bukayo Saka to injury in warm-up but his replacement Noni Madueke set up first half goals for Martin Zubimendi and Karl Darlow's own goal; Viktor Gyokeres made points safe before fourth from Gabriel Jesus
Saturday 31 January 2026 18:10, UK
Noni Madueke played the perfect stand-in role for the injured Bukayo Saka as the winger's inspired performance gave Arsenal a commanding 4-0 win at Leeds - and a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Madueke was a substitute right up until 10 minutes before kick-off but a warm-up injury to Saka drafted him into the team - and he duly stepped up with two first-half assists.
Arsenal faced travel complications on their way up to Leeds on Friday, and also lost Mikel Merino to a foot problem this week but shrugged off those setbacks as Madueke's pinpoint cross was met by the onrushing Martin Zubimendi, who headed in the opener after 27 minutes.
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Madueke doubled his assist tally 11 minutes later when his inswinging corner was punched into his own net by goalkeeper Karl Darlow, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin seemingly getting in his Leeds team-mate's way.
That goal meant 'Own Goal' briefly became Arsenal's joint-highest Premier League goalscorer this season with five goals - but it was swiftly replaced by Viktor Gyokeres, who scored his sixth of the campaign with his second goal in a week.
The striker could have sealed the result earlier in the second half but took too long at a one-on-one chance and allowed Joe Rodon to track back - but then he met a right-wing cross from Gabriel Martinelli, who had come on for Madueke, with an outstretched finish with just over 20 minutes to play.
Another Arsenal striker still had time to get on the scoresheet as Gabriel Jesus picked up a through ball from substitute Martin Odegaard - with Kai Havertz preferred in the starting line-up for his first start in 364 days - before spinning and finding the far corner with a smart finish.
The result moves Arsenal seven points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa - who face Spurs and Brentford respectively on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
With questionable form and outside factors threatening to derail them, Arsenal passed the test to get back to winning ways. "Outstanding - a brilliant result for Arsenal, the pressure was on and they came and performed," summarised Paul Merson on Soccer Saturday.
'The game that won Arsenal the Premier League'
Sky Sports' Paul Merson on Soccer Saturday:
"Arsenal were outstanding. There was a lot of pressure on them because I thought if they got beat, the scrutiny was going to increase.
"However, they have gone seven points clear again with a win at a really hard place to go in Elland Road.
"At times, it was like boys vs men. Arsenal just brushed them aside. They were A+.
"I can't emphasise how good a result and performance it was. Elland Road was rocking but once Arsenal got into the game, they were dominant all over the pitch.
"The squad is just phenomenal. Noni Madueke comes in for Bukayo Saka and gets two assists. There were five players that came on in Martinelli, Eze, Odegaard, Jesus and Calafiori - what team don't they get in?
"That was the game that won Arsenal the Premier League. Man City now have to go to Tottenham and win."
Farke: We faced the best side in Europe
Leeds head coach Daniel Farke:
"Congratulations to Arsenal, a deserved win today. We have to accept the better team won this game.
"We were also realistic before, we faced the best side currently in Europe. There's a reason why this team is sitting top of the Premier League, with eight wins out of eight in the Champions League. You need a perfect day, but also a bit of luck. We did not have our very best day.
"They were on it from first to last second. We have to accept their quality today, there's not too much to interpret from today.
"Karl's disappointed with the situation [regarding the own goal]. But the key today was we didn't find the solutions to create chances and score goals.
"Set-pieces are a big topic for them. We gave a few too many away. We have to defend all the corners pretty spot on. If you concede two goals like this, against the best side in Europe, it was always going to be a long afternoon."
Analysis: Arsenal embracing the title race noise
Sky Sports' Sam Blitz at Elland Road:
After last weekend's defeat to Manchester United, Mikel Arteta held a meeting with his Arsenal players this week. The meeting was "beautiful", according to the Arsenal boss, and the topic was how his squad would handle the noise.
Arsenal's form was dipping. The league's best defence was leaking goals and the attack was dwindling, with debates about who should be centre forward, and who should play behind him in attacking midfield.
They then lost Bukayo Saka in the warm-up at Leeds and with Mikel Merino also out, the injury topic was emerging again. They even had change last last-minute travel plans to Leeds on Friday.
Lots of problems have tried to derail Arsenal recently. But instead Arsenal have come through their sticky patch. After that meeting, seven goals have gone in - including goals for centre forward options Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Their defence is firming up again, with Leeds limited to just one shot on target. Martin Odegaard came off the bench and played big roles in goals three and four at Elland Road. Noni Madueke's stand-in display showed Arsenal cannot be badly affected by a Saka blow, and they are not as reliant on him like in previous seasons.
Their biggest threat to the title is themselves - it's often quipped that only Arsenal can stop Arsenal winning the title.
After some clear-the-air talks, the Gunners seem to be embracing the noise, and they're enjoying their football again.
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