Mikel Arteta hails 'statement' win as Arsenal crush Leeds to steady title charge

Under pressure following three winless league games, the leaders delivered a commanding response in Yorkshire, racing into a two-goal lead before half-time through Martin Zubimendi's header and a Karl Darlow own goal. Second-half strikes from Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus sealed a result that restored momentum to Arsenal's title challenge.

Arteta admitted the context of the performance made the win especially satisfying.

"We're very happy. A very impressive performance and a very impressive result, especially in the context that we've done it," he said. "We knew the difficulty of the game, the opponent and the energy the stadium brings. After three results that didn't go our way, we really wanted to show how much we wanted it."

The Gunners had arrived at Elland Road with growing scrutiny on their shoulders after goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest were followed by a home defeat to Manchester United, prompting renewed doubts among supporters about their ability to handle pressure in the title run-in.

Those concerns were quickly eased, despite Bukayo Saka being forced out during the warm-up. His late replacement, Noni Madueke, played a key role in the opening goals, delivering the cross for Zubimendi's opener before forcing the error that led to Arsenal's second.

Arteta highlighted Madueke's contribution as evidence of his squad's depth and preparation.

"He was ready, because you cannot do that in two minutes," Arteta said. "We thought it was going to be a long game, that we'd need everyone fulfilling their roles, and the players executed that incredibly."

Leeds slipped to just their second defeat in 11 league matches and were again outclassed by Arsenal, having lost 5-0 at the Emirates earlier this season. Head coach Daniel Farke conceded the superiority of the visitors.

"There are reasons why this team is top of the table," Farke said. "They were better and deserved to win."

For Arteta, the night served as more than a convincing scoreline - it was a timely reminder that his side remain composed and dangerous at a critical stage of the title race.

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