Match report: Arsenal 2-1 Leeds

 It's the 92nd minute and Jesse Marsch is frantically beckoning Illan Meslier to go forward and add more numbers in the box for a free kick. Only minutes earlier Nicholas Pepe was almost through on goal after Meslier was left higher up the pitch but a crucial tackle by Dan James spared his blushes. Jesse Marsch clearly wanted the young goalkeeper to atone for his earlier mistake. Arsenal fans meanwhile couldn't understand how a dominant display could end so nervously. In the end none of Leeds' last minute efforts mattered as Arsenal were 2-1 winners at the Emirates.

The win leaves us on sixty six points four ahead of Tottenham. A win at Tottenham would ensure Champions League football for the first time since the 16/17 season. There's a realization that we can actually do this. The stakes for the North London Derby couldn't be any higher.  Mikel when asked about the Tottenham game, "We know how decisive the game is going to be. The plan is to go there and win."

Eddie Nketiah was the difference maker again. He was rewarded for chasing down Leeds relentlessly when he poked the ball into the net after Meslier hesitated with his clearance. I thought he had a great game against West Ham and was unlucky not to score and he was fabulous again today. Given Spurs had gotten a point at Anfield an early goal was just what Arsenal needed. The Emirates was bouncing before kick off and that Nketiah goal just amplified the noise. The nervousness was gone.

Leeds couldn't cope with Arsenal's intensity. Every time a Leeds player had the ball he was surrounded by three Arsenal players. A gutsy opening minutes for Arsenal was rewarded again through Nketiah in the ninth minute. Martinelli's trickery was too much Ayling leaving him for dead before pulling it back for Nketiah to make it 2-0. Nketiah's movement for his second was excellent. Involved in the build up before making his way into the box for a tidy finish. These are the types of goals that Lacazette doesn't offer. 

Martinelli was causing havoc for Leeds on that left side. Raphinha was forced to play almost like a full back which effectively nullified his threat going forward. Ayling couldn't handle Martinelli and was getting frustrated. His frustrations finally boiled over when he put in a two footed challenge on Martinelli near the corner flag. The ref sent Ayling off after a VAR review. That summed up Leeds afternoon so far, outclassed and frustrated. Arsenal were getting a lot of joy on both flanks. Ødegaard, Saka and Cedric were excellent in that half on the right side. 

Arsenal were cruising for the rest of the first half and started the second half as they ended the first. We were comfortable but wasteful in front of goal. Martinelli was the danger man. Every time he got the ball Leeds had to double up on him. He had a great chance after a one two with Nketiah but his shot went over the bar . In his defense he was hurried into taking the shot. Martinelli again went close after Xhaka chested the ball down to him in the penalty box but he sliced his shot wide . He was brilliant to watch when he got the ball but a bit frustrating with his shots. He sat Raphinha brilliantly before yet another save from Meslier. 

Those missed chances would come to haunt us as Leeds scored with their first shot on goal. Diego Llorente with a back post finish after a flick from Firpo from the resulting corner. Arsenal seemed in shock. Leeds started to believe. The next ten minutes were characterized by misplaced passes and a nervousness from Arsenal. Leeds started to push a little higher up the pitch and pressing a bit better. 

We managed to weather that ten minute period after Leeds scored and regained control of the game again. Ødegaard excellent again . His technical ability in tight spaces is such a huge asset for us. There were a few nervy moments from set pieces in the last ten minutes in which Meslier went forward to add numbers into the box. Rodrigo almost got his foot on the ball after a knock down from a free kick but Ramsdale was quicker to the ball. The performance however, didn't merit such a nervy last minutes.

Overall it was almost the perfect performance before a crucial North London Derby. Mohammed Elneny will not get the headlines but again he was brilliant. His positioning was very good. He was where he needed to be especially when we lost the ball. His interceptions, passes and work rate were excellent. Xhaka was very good and at times exuded a lot of confidence in his game. His temper threatened to boil over a couple of times but managed to just keep cool. Gabriel had another assured display despite an early booking. 

Tomiyasu is firmly a fan favorite in just his first season at Arsenal and it's not difficult to see why. He is comfortable on either foot and rarely losses his duels. Playing left fullback today, Tomiyasu allowed Xhaka to add numbers forward. Tavares vs Raphinha was one of the reasons why Arsenal fans were nervous for the game. Arteta played Tomiyasu there and the thrived. He's arguably our most important defender .Getting him back for these last crucial games could prove the difference.

It was one of those scorelines that don't tell the whole story. Martinelli will be frustrated with his finishing but overall it was another encouraging display from our young team. Arteta when asked about the Tottenham match: "I can't wait to play the game." We can't wait for it too. Up the Arsenal!