‘Oh my…’ – Paul Merson loves what he saw ‘brilliant’ Arsenal star do vs Leeds United
Mikel Arteta’s players put on a show as Arsenal secured a vital Premier League victory against Leeds United at Elland Road.
Despite Bukayo Saka pulling out of the game through injury, feeling his hip during the warm-ups, the Gunners reinstated their seven-point gap at the top of the Premier League table.
Martin Zubimendi had already scored the opener before Karl Darlow doubled their lead with a comical own goal, and the floodgates had clearly opened for the Gunners on Saturday, 31 January.
Viktor Gyokeres put his struggles behind him as he bagged his 10th goal of the campaign across all competitions, before Gabriel Jesus added a late fourth as a substitute.
Jesus’ effort was probably the pick of the bunch, and back in the Sky Sports studio, Paul Merson was in complete amazement while watching the replay.
Gabriel Jesus amazes with Arsenal’s fourth vs Leeds United
Speaking on Sky Sports Premier League (31 January), Merson said: “What a goal. Oh my. What a goal from Jesus. The ball comes to him on the edge of the box, just inside.
“He turns, goes to shoot, checks again, and he’s twisting the poor defender about. Then he cuts inside again, whips it into the far corner, and it’s just a brilliant, brilliant goal. Arsenal up 4-0, and they’ve been absolutely superb.”
The Brazilian has struggled with injuries for the majority of the season, but having returned with a bang against Inter Milan, he was on target yet again, this time at Daniel Farke‘s expense.
Three points means that Arsenal have regained their seven-point gap at the top of the Premier League table, at least until Man City face Tottenham in North London on Sunday, 1 February.
Mikel Arteta to call upon reinforcements after Bukayo Saka blow
It is unclear just how serious Saka’s new injury is, but given his injury history at the Emirates, there is a very good chance that he might not be back to face Chelsea on Tuesday, 3 February.
Both Gyokeres and Jesus appear to have found some decent form in recent weeks, which has come at the perfect time if the Gunners are without their biggest name on a long-term basis.
Madueke was also key to the win, and every time he is given the opportunity to, he gives Arteta a very difficult decision to make over the right-hand side of his attack.
With Kai Havertz back from injury, and Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli available off the bench, there is more than enough talent in Saka’s absence, but it’ll still be a big blow.