Arsenal 4-1 Leeds United

A brace from Gabriel Jesus, sandwiched by a Ben White goal in between, prior to a late Granit Xhaka header, was enough to maintain the Gunners eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Rasmus Kristensen grabbed a consolation for the visitors, but Mikel Arteta's dominant Gunners were simply too good for struggling Leeds on Saturday afternoon.

With Pep Guardiola's Manchester City easing past Liverpool 4-1 in the lunchtime kick-off to close to within five points prior to kick-off in North, the pressure was back on the Gunners.

The opening stages were hard-fought, with neither side making headway, which saw the fit again Jesus nod over the bar when well placed, after an excellent cross from Xhaka on 11 minutes.

While the crowd remained steadfastly behind their team - as they have done in every single game since supporters were allowed back since the pandemic - it was clear frustration was starting to build on the pitch. As witnessed when Aaron Ramsdale hoofed the ball clear from danger when some of his more attacking colleagues wanted the ball to feet.

The opening stages were notable for Leandro Trossard being engaged in an absorbing duel with Jack Harrison. Prior to the Leeds No11 testing Aaron Ramsdale with a stinging shot at the near post that the Arsenal keeper palmed upwards and away.

Arteta's table toppers heeded the warning, as the home side swept forward in a bid to maintain their eight-point lead over City in second place. Jesus powered into the box before former Arsenal academy graduate Luke Ayling halted the Brazil star's run by bringing him down. Referee Darren England rightly pointed to the spot with VAR agreeing.

Up stepped the 25-year-old former City attacker to underline the fact he was the coolest man in the stadium, showing nerves of steel to fire the ball straight down the middle, fooling Leeds keeper Illan Meslier into diving away from the ball for 1-0 ten minutes before the break.

The relief was palpable on and off the pitch as Jesus and his disciples celebrated in communion with the delighted crowd.

The lead was doubled moments after the interval when Olexsandr Zinchenko worked well with Gabi Martinelli, who in turn crossed into the box for White to slot home from close range for 2-0.

Eight minutes later Jesus made it 3-0 while notching his second of the match, when Trossard, once again displaying his ability to provide assists, fed the Brazil forward, who made no mistake to steer the ball past Meslier and seal the victory.

There was still time for the home support to pay homage to their fit and once again firing attacker, when Arteta intelligently withdrew Jesus on the hour mark. What must the Leeds backline have thought, when Arsenal's embarrassment of riches saw Bukayo Saka enter the fray, fresh from his Player of the Month award.

Leeds grabbed a scant consolation through Kristensen with 14 minutes remaining but it was mere window dressing, but there remains the clear and present threat of relegation for this proud club, with Javi Gracia's Whites still only posting two league wins this year.

There was still time for Xhaka to nod Martin Odegaard's exquisite cross past Meslier for 4-1.

With boss Arteta landing March's Manager of the Month gong - and successfully avoiding the curse in losing the next game following the award - fans savoured hailing their hungry team of youthful tyros as the clock ticked down.

With the remaining fixtures in April providing a worryingly stern test for Arsenal, starting with a trip to Anfield on Easter Sunday, why shouldn't fans lap up such a vibrant display.

Because with nine cup finals to go as the club aim to lift their first league title in 19 years, who knows where such an effortless victory will present itself again this month.