(Football news) Arsenal extended their lead to four points at the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road. The hosts were unlucky to not salvage a draw from this fixture as Patrick Bamford missed a second-half penalty after the Gunners took the lead through Bukayo Saka in the first half. The game was delayed by 40 minutes after an unexpected power cut but Leeds impressively went toe-to-toe against Arsenal in the first half when play resumed. Saka capitalised on an unnecessary crossfield ball by Rodrigo in the 35th minute to give his side the lead with an emphatic finish. 

After Rodrigo’s mistake, Leeds replaced him at half-time with Bamford who helped the hosts change the flow of the game. He had a close range finish ruled out for offside for a push on Gabriel and then missed a penalty after a handball by William Saliba. Arsenal conceded a penalty once again in stoppage time and Gabriel was sent off for violent conduct after an altercation involving Bamford but referee Chris Kavanagh went to the monitor and gave a foul in the opposite direction. 

Speaking after the match, Leeds boss Jesse Marsch said “Disappointed and frustrated a bit – however also proud of the way we played. We've had a number of games where we've been on top of things and been the better team and we don't find ways to get goals we deserve. And then it keeps the opponent around and it gives them the chance to have a goal or the lead which makes the sport feel very cruel. We need to get better in the final third." 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said “If you go to the MLS, it's common. When we go there for pre-season, the game can be delayed for thunderstorms, waiting for three or five hours. We are not used to that and have to adapt and it was important because VAR was really important and if we played without it, it would have been a different game. It's always hectic here. It's not a coincidence winning like this, [with] the character showed, the personality showed and the desire to play. There were some players who were really struggling on Thursday night, we spent Thursday night in Norway, to then come to Leeds and win both games away from home? Big credit to the players and shows how we are as a team. You have to be able to win in any context." 

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