Gyokeres Fires Arsenal to Emirates Rout Over Leeds as Spectator Eze Looks On

Arsenal Dominate Leeds with Gyokeres Double in Premier League Opener
By Harry Bamforth, Oliver Holt, and Isaan Khan | Updated: 19:57 BST, 23 August 2025

[Image: Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres celebrating a goal]
Credit: https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/08/23/18/101490997-0-image-m-76_1755971976187.jpg

Arsenal kicked off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign in ruthless fashion, thrashing Leeds United 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium. New £64m signing Viktor Gyokeres stole the spotlight with a brace, while England star Eberechi Eze watched from the stands amid transfer speculation.

First-Half Flurry Sets the Tone
The Gunners erupted early, with Gyokeres opening his account in the 12th minute. A pinpoint cross from captain Martin Ødegaard found the Swedish striker, who powered a header past Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

[Image: Gyokeres heads home Arsenal’s first goal]
Caption: Gyokeres announced his arrival with a thunderous header.

Leeds’ resistance crumbled further when Gabriel Martinelli doubled the lead six minutes later, slotting home after a chaotic scramble in the box. The visitors’ defense, reshuffled after losing center-back Pascal Struijk to injury in pre-game warmups, looked vulnerable throughout.

Gyokeres Seals the Show
The second half saw Arsenal shift gears defensively, but Gyokeres put the game beyond doubt in the 67th minute. Bukayo Saka’s driving run and cutback allowed the striker to calmly place a low shot into the corner, prompting chants of “Viktor!” from the delirious home crowd.

Eze Sparks Transfer Chatter
All eyes briefly turned to the stands midway through the second half when Eberechi Eze appeared alongside Arsenal sporting director Edu. The Crystal Palace playmaker, linked with a £60m move, smiled and waved to fans but declined to comment post-match. Manager Mikel Arteta played coy: “We always welcome quality.”

[Image: Eberechi Eze watching from Emirates stands]
Caption: Eze’s presence fueled speculation of an imminent transfer.

Leeds Left Reeling
New Leeds boss Daniel Farke admitted his side were “outclassed in every department,” particularly criticizing their defensive frailty. Star winger Wilfried Gnonto, shackled by Ben White all game, was substituted early after a toothless display.

Key Takeaways

1. Gyokeres’ Instant Impact: The former Sporting CP star validated his price tag with a clinical performance.
2. Arsenal’s Depth Shines: Despite Partey and Rice resting, backup midfielder Emile Smith Rowe controlled the tempo effortlessly.
3. Leeds’ Tough Road Ahead: Farke’s promoted side must regroup quickly before facing Aston Villa next week.

Final Score: Arsenal 3 (Gyokeres 12’, 67’, Martinelli 18’) – Leeds 0

[Image: Arsenal players celebrating victory]
Credit: Getty Images

Up Next: Arsenal visit Manchester City in a top-four showdown, while Leeds host Villa at Elland Road.

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