Arsenal's victory was marked by several key moments. Before kickoff, the Gunners announced the signing of Eberechi Eze, an English winger from Crystal Palace for a total fee of $90 million.
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Eberechi Eze makes his debut before Arsenal's 5-0 win against Leeds in the second round of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 23/8. Photo: Arsenal FC |
Eberechi Eze makes his debut before Arsenal's 5-0 win against Leeds in the second round of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 23/8. Photo: Arsenal FC
Jurrien Timber was the standout performer in the first 60 minutes. The Dutch defender scored twice from corner kicks. Between his two goals, he also provided an assist for Bukayo Saka, who fired a right-footed shot into the top corner past goalkeeper Lucas Perri.
Timber became the second Arsenal defender to be involved in at least three goals in a single Premier League match (two goals, one assist), after Nacho Monreal. He was also the first Arsenal defender to both score and assist in a Premier League game since Cedric Soares against Everton in 5/2022.
With Timber's brace, Arsenal have scored 33 goals from corners in the Premier League since the start of the 2023-2024 season, at least 13 more than any other team (Liverpool is second with 20).
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Jurrien Timber heads in the opening goal. Photo: EPA |
Jurrien Timber heads in the opening goal. Photo: EPA
Gyokeres also made his mark with his first goal for Arsenal. In the 48th minute, the Swedish forward broke down the left wing, cut into the box, and fired a right-footed shot into the near corner.
With a 4-0 lead and the opportunity to rest some key players, manager Mikel Arteta brought on 2009-born Max Dowman in the 64th minute for his Premier League debut.
At 15 years and 235 days old, Dowman became the second-youngest player to appear in the league, behind only teammate Ethan Nwaneri (15 years and 181 days). The Arsenal duo, along with Leicester's Jeremy Monga (15 years and 271 days), are the only three players to have played in the Premier League before turning 16.
It was Dowman's weaving run that drew a foul from Anton Stach in the penalty area, earning a penalty in stoppage time. Gyokeres stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick, completing his brace and sealing a 5-0 victory.
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Max Dowman wins a penalty, and Gyokeres converts it to seal the 5-0 win. Photo: PA |
Max Dowman wins a penalty, and Gyokeres converts it to seal the 5-0 win. Photo: PA
However, the victory wasn't without its downsides for Arsenal, as captain Martin Odegaard and Saka were both forced off early with injuries. The Gunners had already lost Christian Norgaard, Ben White, and Kai Havertz to injury.
The 5-0 win takes Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table with six points, six goals scored, and none conceded. Arteta's team will next face reigning champions Liverpool on 31/8.
Hong Duy
