ARSENAL returned to winning ways as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s treble sealed a 4-2 victory against Leeds.
Hector Bellerin also scored for the Gunners as they picked up all three points at the Emirates.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a hat-trick as Arsenal beat Leeds 4-2Credit: Getty Images – Getty
And Arsenal are now just six points off a Champions League spot following a crazy weekend of Premier League football.
Here, Tom Barclay delivers his player ratings…
Bernd Leno – 6/10
Back in after that bonkers red card at Wolves.
Saved well to deny Raphinha’s blast from distance early in the second half but had no chance with either of Leeds’ late strikes.
Hector Bellerin – 8
Smashed home his first goal at the Emirates in two years to make it 3-0 just before the break.
Keeper Illan Meslier really should have done better at his near post, though.
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Hector Bellerin also scored in the Emirates victoryCredit: EPA
David Luiz – 7
Unlucky not to have an assist when marauding forward and cutting back for Aubameyang, only for the Gabon star to be denied by a stunning block.
Was out-jumped by Pascal Struijk for Leeds’ first.
Gabriel – 7
Surprisingly got the nod over Rob Holding.
Generally looked assured as he helped prevent a late Leeds’ onslaught which will boost his confidence.
Cedric Soares – 7
Always a willing performer and drew a good stop from Meslier with a late hit from distance.
Doing his best to deputise for the injured Kieran Tierney on his weaker side, but there’s no comparison.
Dani Ceballos filled in well for the injured Thomas ParteyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Dani Ceballos – 7
Thomas Partey’s injury meant Ceballos was handed his first start in a month.
Linked up nicely with Odegaard and supplied a neat assist for Bellerin’s goal with a clever pass.
Granit Xhaka – 7
Grabbed an assist for the opener when quickly laying the ball to Aubameyang, who did the rest from there.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Thought he had won a penalty when felled by Liam Cooper, but ref Stuart Attwell reversed his decision on viewing the monitor, deeming the contact not to have been enough.
Minutes later in the first half, Saka did have a spot-kick as he caught out keeper Meslier overplaying at the back.
Ran Leeds ragged and was unlucky to hit the post.
Martin Odegaard had a solid but unspectacular full debutCredit: AP:Associated Press
Martin Odegaard – 6
Solid but nothing more.
Kept the ball moving but his lack of match fitness limited his impact.
Emile Smith Rowe – 8
With Odegaard starting, Smith Rowe was pushed out to the left-hand side.
He still affected the game impressively, clipping in a cross which Aubameyang eagerly nodded home for his treble.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 9
Arsenal’s talisman was back, with his first finished beautifully, cutting in and drilling low at the near post.
Dispatched a first-half penalty to reach double figures for the season – at long last.
Almost had a fourth but curled against the bar in the final 15 minutes.
Subs
Willian (for Smith Rowe, 62) – 6
Elneny (for Odegaard, 78) – 6
Holding (for Ceballos, 87) – 6
Willian got some action off the benchCredit: Reuters
Arsenal vs Leeds as it happened
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
