Arsenal vs Leeds LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction today after Nketiah double
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds: The Gunners moved four points clear of rivals Spurs in the race to finish in the Premier League’s top four
Arsenal’s five-season exile from the Champions League is closer to ending after Eddie Nketiah’s double secured a 2-1 win over Leeds to strengthen the team’s hold on fourth place in the Premier League on Sunday.
If it wins at Tottenham on Thursday, Arsenal will qualify for the Champions League with two games to spare after its fifth-place north London rival dropped points in a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Saturday.
Arsenal moved four points ahead of Tottenham thanks to Nketiah’s two goals in the opening 10 minutes as Leeds dropped into the relegation zone.
The former Leeds loanee capitalized on a poor touch from Illan Meslier and tapped home. Nketiah’s second was a well-taken finish from 12 yards (meters), turning in Gabriel Martinelli’s low cross.
Leeds was reduced to 10 men in the 27th when captain Luke Ayling was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Martinelli. Referee Chris Kavanagh initially booked the defender before upgrading the card after being advised to watch a replay on the VAR pitch-side monitor.
Leeds gave itself a chance of a surprise comeback in the 66th when Diego Llorente turned in a shot at the back post but there was no equalizer from Jesse Marsch’s side.
There is a tight scrap to avoid joining Watford and Norwich in being relegated. Burnley is only above Leeds, and out of the drop zone, due to its superior goal difference with three games remaining, while Everton is a point from danger.
Recovery from Real Madrid defeat a “question of time”, says Guardiola
Pep Guardiola says that recovering from the pain of defeat to Real Madrid in midweek will take time for Machester City, but insists that Liverpool’s draw with Tottenham Hotspur has changed nothing for his team-mate ahead of this afternoon’s match against Newcastle United.
“[The mood is [much better than yesterday by far,” he told Sky Sports before kick-off. “It’s normal, it’s a question of time. It’s football, it’s life. We did many good things, it happened and that’s all.”
“[Liverpool’s draw] doesn’t change anything,” he added. “We still have to win all our games. Nothing changed.”
Newcastle preparation disrupted by Saint-Maximin comments
Newcastle United’s preparations for their trip to face the champions this afternoon were disrputed by midweek comments from mecurial forward Allan Saint-Maximin.
The Frenchman gave an interview in his homeland blaming his profligate team-mates for his lack of assists this season, and said he believes he is as good as Sadio Mane.
‘The day I get a team-mate who is able to convert the chances I create, I will have 10 to 15 successful assists every season,’ Saint-Maximin told French publication So Foot. ‘That will change people’s minds.’
‘Those who have played alongside me know full well that when it comes to pure quality, I have no cause to be jealous of [someone like] Sadio Mane. But the difference between these great players and me is that they show a lot of things on the pitch.’
Manchester City vs Newcastle United line-ups
Next up then it’s a big one in the title race as Manchester City look to take full advantage of Liverpool’s Saturday night draw with Tottenham at Anfield as they come up against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.
A reminder of the two line-ups for the fixture at the Eithad:
Manchester City: Ederson; Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Zinchenko; De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan; Sterling, Jesus, Grealish.
Newcastle United: Dubravka; Kraft, Lascelles, Burn, Targett; Guimaraes, Longstaff, Joelinton; Almiron, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
FT Arsenal 2-1 Leeds
FT Arsenal 2-1 Leeds
Arsenal hold on, a huge step towards a top-four finish.
Nketiah further building his case for a big contract extension.
A late scare will give Mikel Arteta some concern following Llorente’s strike.
Now attention to the north London derby, victory over Spurs will secure Champions League football.
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds
Meslier up again, Firpo wins the header and Rodrigo has a chance.
There’s no pace on the ball, he flicks it on but it’s straight at Ramsdale.
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds
Meslier races up for the set-piece, i’s cleared and Pepe is in!
But Dan James sprints back to tackle him and deny Arsenal a third.
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds
Ramsdale coming out to relieve pressure on arsenal.
We’re two minutes from stoppage time, this is far closer than we expected after Ayling’s red card.
Lacazette set to come on and waste some time for the Gunners.
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds
Arsenal appeal for a penalty as the ball deflects up on to Pascal Struijk’s arm.
Arsenal looking threatening again.
Smith Rowe is on for the Gunners, Martinelli to make way.
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds
Big chance for Arsenal to finish off Leeds.
Nice touch from Odegaard to jink his way out of trouble on the edge of the area.
He then lashes it towards the bottom corner, but it’s just wide.
15 minutes remaining, can Leeds carve out one more chance?
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