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.
2025/2026 Premier League
0-4
Match Report
Manchester City and Aston Villa had taken advantage of Arsenal's recent wobble to close the gap, but the Gunners turned on the style at Elland Road on Saturday.
Noni Madueke stole the show for Arsenal in the first half, having been brought into the starting lineup in a late change when Bukayo Saka was injured in the warm-up.
He whipped in a delightful cross that Martin Zubimendi glanced in for the opener 27 minutes in, after Declan Rice – on his 300th Premier League appearance – had recycled a set-piece.
And it was Madueke's corner that forced the second goal 11 minutes later. Karl Darlow, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in front of him, punched the delivery against his near post and into the net.
Viktor Gyokeres, who was denied a one-on-one after a brilliant Joe Rodon block, then got his first goal since mid-December with an off-balance finish in the 69th minute.
And it was his replacement, Gabriel Jesus, who added late gloss to the scoreline. He guided a low finish into the bottom-right corner with four minutes remaining after holding off Pascal Struijk.
Leeds struggled to test the league leaders in a frustrating outing and remain 16th, six points above the relegation zone.
A COMMANDING PERFORMANCE ON THE ROAD pic.twitter.com/aJIihFLzwb
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 31, 2026
Data Debrief: Arsenal get back on track
Having seen their gap at the top get smaller, Mikel Arteta knew how important it was for Arsenal to regain some control in the title race.
They went back to their basics; Arsenal have scored more goals from corners (14) than any other side in the Premier League this season, while no side can better their 10 headed goals (level with Tottenham).
It is also the fifth time they have scored at least four goals away to Leeds, as they outperformed their 2.39 expected goals (xG) from 14 attempts. Leeds, by contrast, mustered just 0.15 xG.
And it was another important goal for Gyokeres. He has scored four goals in his last six appearances for the Gunners in all competitions and is now their outright top scorer this term, with 11 goals.
Match Events
0' Injured Saka is replaced by Madueke just before the match starts
10' Ampadu rifles a shot that flies just over the bar
27' GOAL! Zubimendi heads the ball in as Madueke assists! Leeds United 0-1 Arsenal
34' Madueke delivers the corner kick but Gyokeres' header goes wide
38' GOAL! Karl Darlow registers an OWN GOAL! Leeds United 0-2 Arsenal
45' Madueke sends a cross but Havertz's effort is stopped by a slide tackle
51' Gyökeres fires the ball at goal from inside the area, but it's well blocked
52' Timber rises above the defence to meet the corner but sends his header high
69' GOAL! Martinelli's through ball helps Gyökeres to net! Leeds United 0-3 Arsenal
77' Match Event for Leeds United vs Arsenal
79' Highlight from Leeds United vs Arsenal
Line-ups
Leeds United XI: Darlow, Calvert-Lewin, Justin, Joe Rodon, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Pascal Struijk, Jayden Bogle, Anton Stach, Ilia Gruev, Brenden Aaronson
Subs: Byram, Lucas Perri, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Joël Piroe, Okafor, Sean Longstaff, Ao Tanaka, Wilfried Gnonto, Facundo Buonanotte
Arsenal XI: Trossard, David Raya, Rice, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel, Havertz, Martín Zubimendi, Saliba, Madueke, Timber, Hincapie
Subs: Christian Nørgaard, Kepa, Ødegaard, Jesus, Ben White, Eberechi Eze, Martinelli, Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera