
The last time the Gunners hosted Leeds in a top-flight fixture they were still playing at Highbury, with the Yorkshire side relegated in 2004 and the Emirates opening two years later.
How Arsenal fans long for the Highbury years at the moment. A mini-revival following the Boxing Day win over Chelsea has stalled in the past fortnight, with a goalless draw against Manchester United followed by back-to-back defeats in the Midlands, against Wolves and Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta’s side face a Europa League clash with Benfica on Thursday – a match that looks increasingly important – but this afternoon’s game at least represents a chance to move back into the top half of the table.
Leeds are in good form, having won three of their last four in the league, an encouraging run for a team whose impressive campaign has been marred by inconsistency at times.
Follow all the action on our LIVE match blog with Simon Collings at the Emirates.
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Simon Collings at the Emirates
That was a delightful third goal, but once again you have to question Meslier. He’s had a nightmare half. The worst half by a goalkeeper at the Emirates since Runarsson’s game against Man City in December.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Leeds | Hector Bellerin, 44 mins
It’s three for the Gunners! Bellerin had a wild shot on his left foot earlier, but shows what he can do on his right here as he finds a bit of space in the box and thrashes an effort into the near post past Meslier.
Again the goalkeeper should do better, but it’s a great finish.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
So, after all that, Arsenal do score a penalty. Another one for Aubameyang. Turning into a lovely afternoon for him.
Meslier has been shaky today – he should have done better with the first goal, and the penalty was down to his carelessness on the ball. For all the talk of Bielsa’s tactical nous, you won’t win these games if your goalkeeper is making those sort of mistakes.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Leeds | Aubameyang, 40 mins
Aubameyang scores his 200th club career goal, making no mistake from the spot as he sends Meslier the wrong way. Superbly struck spot-kick, and Arsenal are in control.
Penalty to Arsenal (again!)
What are you doing, Meslier?! The keeper has the ball at his feet, dallies, doesn’t clear, and Saka nips in to nick the ball and gets fouled by the Leeds No1!
No VAR needed this time, and Aubamayeng to take…
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Before referee Stuart Atwell overturned that David Luiz afforded a second for a joke, shouting: “it’s a red card.” A nod to his one at Wolves last week. No luck for Arsenal here, though, as that penalty is overturned.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Arteta and staff perplexed at that decision. Arteta talking to fourth official and stating case. Consistency again surely the issue.
No penalty!
The referee watches the challenge back, and overturns his previous decision. No penalty for Arsenal, and both Saka and Arteta are baffled.