Arsenal scored two goals in eight minutes to come from behind and get back to winning ways via a 2-1 comeback win over Daniel Farke's stubborn Leeds.

2026/2027 Premier League

2-1

Match Report

Arsenal produced an excellent second-half fightback to put their title defence back on track, as they marked their return to Premier League action with a hard-fought victory over Leeds United.

Having begun their reign as champions with four consecutive wins, conceding just a single goal, the Gunners were left to stew over a humbling 3-0 loss to Brighton during the three-week international break. Terrifically organised in defence and brave in attack, Leeds were fully deserving of their opener once it arrived 10 minutes after half-time. James Justin sent the travelling support into raptures, in an away fixture they have not celebrated a league victory in since May 2003, when he slammed in from Gabriel Gudmundsson's pull-back.

Arsenal appeared uninspired and unsettled but found a much-needed quick response when Riccardo Calafiori converted at close range after being teed up by Ben White. Accompanied by an immediate triple change by Mikel Arteta, which included the introduction of £75m summer addition Bruno Guimaraes, the atmosphere at a restless Emirates Stadium was transformed. Guimaraes completed the comeback eight minutes later with an assured finish from the edge of the penalty area, rounding off a wonderful, free-flowing move by the home side.

That meant Arsenal closed the gap to leaders Manchester City, who remain top on goal difference before travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday (16:30 BST).

Line-ups

Arsenal XI: David Raya, Ødegaard, Rice, Ngoyo, Gabriel, Havertz, Ben White, Saka, Madueke, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly

Subs: Kepa, Merino, Guimaraes, Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, Martín Zubimendi, Timber, Hincapie, Max Dowman

Leeds United XI: Elvedi, Calvert-Lewin, Justin, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Jayden Bogle, Okafor, Ao Tanaka, Anton Stach, James Trafford, Tarik Muharemović

Subs: Michael Zetterer, Harry Wilson, Nmecha, Sean Longstaff, Jaka Bijol, Bard, Ilia Gruev, Brenden Aaronson, Jean-Mattéo Bahoya