Premier League: New boy Viktor Gyokeres scores twice; injuries to Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard sour Arsenal rout of Leeds | Football News
Viktor Gyokeres marked his Arsenal debut with two goals as the Gunners secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Leeds at the Emirates Stadium. The win was overshadowed by injuries to Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, just over a week before Arsenal’s crucial match against Liverpool.Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League table, ahead of Tottenham on goal difference. Both teams maintain perfect records after their opening two matches.Arsenal’s management has invested £260 million on seven new players to strengthen their title aspirations, following three consecutive second-place finishes.The club’s newest signing, Eberechi Eze, received a warm welcome from fans before the match. The £60 million recruit chose Arsenal over Tottenham, returning to his childhood club.Gyokeres, who joined from Sporting Lisbon, demonstrated his potential as Arsenal’s new striker. The recent injuries highlighted the importance of squad depth.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“We’ve learned the lesson from last season and the squad that you need right now,” said Arteta. “That is why we acted in the market the way that we have done because you have so many games, anything can happen. It happened to two of our most important players — we already lost Kai — so we are going to need everybody at his best and a lot of luck as well to not lose others.”Arsenal’s opening goal came from a set-piece, similar to their 1-0 victory at Manchester United on the season’s first weekend.Timber, who had previously scored only twice in 52 appearances, found the net from Rice’s delivery after 34 minutes.Odegaard left the field following a shoulder injury from a fall. Saka then extended Arsenal’s lead with a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Lucas Perri.Gyokeres, who previously attracted Leeds’ interest during his time at Coventry, showed his worth despite questions about his Premier League potential. He scored after receiving Riccardo Calafiori’s pass.Saka, who missed four months last season with a hamstring injury, was substituted in the 53rd minute while holding his left leg.Arsenal’s fourth goal came when Timber converted from close range following another Rice corner that Leeds failed to clear.The match featured the Premier League debut of 15-year-old Max Dowman, who became the second-youngest player in English top-flight history after teammate Ethan Nwaneri.Dowman earned a penalty in stoppage time, which Gyokeres converted for his second goal.“That was special for sure,” Arteta said about Dowman’s performance. “It is great to be able to change the energy in the stadium by bringing him in and he had an impact.”
