Viktor Gyökeres opened his Premier League journey in style with a brace as Arsenal dismantled Leeds United 5-0 at the Emirates, though the victory was tempered by fresh injury concerns for Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka.
With new signing Eberechi Eze unveiled to the home crowd before kick-off and Gyökeres quickly finding his scoring boots, the afternoon had all the makings of a party for the Gunners.
Yet celebrations were muted when captain Ødegaard exited before half-time clutching his shoulder, and Saka limped off in the second half after a hamstring problem, both incidents coming just days after Kai Havertz joined the injury list.
Saka had earlier struck Arsenal’s second after Jurrien Timber’s opener, while Timber later added his second of the day for 4-0.
Gyökeres grabbed his first goal soon after Saka’s departure before sealing the rout with a stoppage-time penalty earned by 15-year-old debutant Max Dowman.
Dowman, making history as the second-youngest player ever to feature in the Premier League, impressed with his energy – testing the keeper twice, attempting three dribbles, and winning five of seven duels.
His late surge to win the penalty capped a lively cameo alongside fellow teenage prodigy Ethan Nwaneri, who holds the record as the league’s youngest debutant.
The comprehensive win lifted Arsenal level with Tottenham at the summit while Leeds dropped into mid-table. But with champions Liverpool looming next, Mikel Arteta’s focus will be firmly on the fitness of his key men.
