The Gunners have a key chance to put some distance between themselves and Tottenham as they return to Premier League action this afternoon.
Mikel Arteta’s side have turned their fortunes around after three successive defeats, beating Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham to take control of the battle for fourth place and Champions League qualification.
Spurs’ draw at Liverpool last night means a fourth straight win for Arsenal today would see them move four points clear of their rivals ahead of Thursday’s pivotal north London derby showdown, and only one behind stalling Chelsea in third.
But Leeds also have plenty to play for as they battle for top-flight survival, looking to buck a trend of woeful results against clubs in the top six.
After a heavy defeat by Manchester City at Elland Road, Jesse Marsch’s team now sit 17th and only two points above the final relegation spot with Everton – who face Leicester today – boasting a game in hand below.
Leeds have not won any of their last 11 matches against Arsenal, a run that stretches all the way back to 2003. They bring in Joe Gelhardt, Dan James and Diego Llorente today, while Arteta opts for Cedric Soares over Nuno Tavares in his only change.
Follow Arsenal vs Leeds LIVE with Standard Sport’s blog below, with expert analysis from Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium!
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Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium
Leeds are a shambles at the back. Their away fans, for once, have been stunned into silence.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Leeds | Eddie Nketiah 10′
10 mins: Two for Arsenal and two for Nketiah!
Arsenal in dreamland. A wonderful assist from Martinelli, who gets beyond Raphinha and Ayling to the byline before providing a perfect cutback.
Nketiah is off balance, but still manages to sweep the ball past the helpless Meslier.
This could be a long, long afternoon for Leeds.
Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium
What on earth is Meslier doing there? He was so, so slow on the ball and is rightly punished. A dream start for Arsenal.
He is now getting heckled with every touch he takes. It’s going to be a long afternoon for the goalkeeper.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Leeds | Eddie Nketiah 5′
5 mins: The Gunners lead inside five minutes! And it’s an awful, awful blunder from Leeds ‘keeper Meslier.
Luke Ayling provides a routine pass back, with the young Frenchman then dawdling as he takes a touch and tries to find a pass with Nketiah quickly bearing down.
The Arsenal striker – a former Leeds loanee – is too quick and nips it home, then looking almost embarrassed to score a goal that easy.
A dream start for the hosts. Nightmare fuel for Jesse Marsch and Leeds.
4 mins: The dangerous Raphinha looks to battle clear down the Leeds right, but Gabriel gets across to snuff out the danger.
Plenty of possession for both sides early on.
2 mins: A quick, competitive start at the Emirates as Junior Firpo clumsily brings down Bukayo Saka, offering Arsenal the chance to deliver an early set-piece into the box from the right-hand side.
Martin Odegaard’s delivery is headed high into the air by a blue shirt and dropped unconvincingly by goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who somehow stops it from going out for a corner.
An electric atmosphere in these opening exchanges.
KICK-OFF
We are underway in north London!
Can Arsenal move four points clear in fourth ahead of Thursday’s crucial derby against Spurs?
Or will Leeds produce a big result in their quest for Premier League safety?
Let’s find out…
Here come the teams at a sun-soaked Emirates!
Arsenal in white and red this afternoon of course, with Leeds in their dark blue away strips.
Final preparations on a lovely afternoon at the Emirates. Kick-off is less than 15 minutes away!
The pre-match thoughts of Leeds boss Jesse Marsch…