Arsenal 5-0 Leeds United: Gyökeres opens account but injury concerns mount

Arsenal made light work of Premier League newcomers Leeds United with a 5-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, though the emphatic win was overshadowed by a fresh wave of injury setbacks ahead of a crucial trip to Liverpool.

New signing Viktor Gyökeres marked his home debut in style, scoring twice to open his Arsenal account. Jurrien Timber also struck twice from corners, while Bukayo Saka added another before being forced off injured.

Fifteen-year-old Max Dowman created headlines with a late cameo, winning a stoppage-time penalty that Gyökeres converted. Despite the comfortable scoreline, Arsenal’s injury list continues to grow. Captain Martin Ødegaard suffered a shoulder problem during his 200th appearance, while Saka appeared in discomfort after limping off.

Elsewhere, Kai Havertz’s knee issue, picked up in training, was a factor behind Arsenal’s £60m hijack of Tottenham’s move for Eberechi Eze. Midfielder Christian Nørgaard is also yet to feature due to fitness concerns.

Before kick-off, Mikel Arteta, who has now overseen more than £1 billion in transfer spending, unveiled Arsenal’s latest recruits to the home crowd: Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The result lifts Arsenal’s morale, but with injury doubts over key stars, their upcoming clash against Liverpool looms even larger.