Three things we learned as Arsenal thrash Leeds and steady title push

Arsenal could hardly have asked for a better response to recent pressure as they swept Leeds United aside 4-0 at Elland Road, steadying their Premier League title challenge and restoring confidence at the perfect moment.

In brutal conditions and a hostile atmosphere, Mikel Arteta’s side showed resilience first — then authority — delivering a performance that may prove pivotal in a defining week of the season.

After three league games without a win, this fixture carried genuine risk. Any further slip would have amplified scrutiny around Arsenal’s form after defeat to Manchester United.

Instead, Arsenal absorbed early pressure, leaned into their physical superiority and gradually took control. The opening two goals — a Martín Zubimendi header and a Karl Darlow own goal — both stemmed from crosses, underlining Arsenal’s growing threat from wide areas and set-pieces.

Once ahead, Arsenal never looked back. Second-half strikes from Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Jesus reflected their dominance from open play, with chances missed suggesting the scoreline could have been even heavier.

Having followed Arsenal closely in recent weeks, this was the most fluent they have looked from open play in some time — particularly in the final half-hour.

The win was made more impressive by late disruption. Bukayo Saka was forced out during the warm-up with a hip issue, while Mikel Merino had already been ruled out.

That handed an unexpected start to Noni Madueke, who responded with his best Arsenal performance to date.

Madueke was direct, confident and decisive. His curling cross for Zubimendi’s opener set the tone, before another dangerous delivery forced Darlow into an own goal. Filling in for Saka is one of the toughest jobs in English football right now — but Madueke embraced it.

Crucially, this was not just a functional display. Madueke played with intent and imagination, offering Arteta genuine reassurance if Saka’s absence extends beyond this match.

One of the more curious subplots of Arsenal’s season continues to develop.

For a period in January, own goals were Arsenal’s joint-top scorers in the Premier League. That tally now stands at five — an extraordinary figure for a team leading the table.

Gyökeres’ goal moved him clear with six league strikes, but that remains a remarkably low number for a side challenging for the title. In the Premier League era, no title-winning team has finished the season with a top scorer below 13 league goals.

If Arsenal do go on to lift the trophy, they may well rewrite an unusual piece of history.

Late introductions from Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Ødegaard and Jesus underlined the squad depth Arteta can now call upon.

That depth will be vital in the coming days. Arsenal next host Sunderland in the league and face Chelsea with a place in the Carabao Cup final on the line — a sequence that could define their season.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions. Sustaining this level across competitions will be the real test.

Arsenal now enter a decisive stretch. Victory over Sunderland next weekend would increase pressure on rivals, while a Carabao Cup semi-final win could open the door to silverware.

Managing Saka’s fitness and maintaining attacking rhythm will be central as fixtures stack up quickly.

Is this the performance that kickstarts Arsenal’s title run — or just a timely reset before tougher tests ahead?