Arsenal come from behind to defeat Leeds and join Manchester City at Premier League summit

Arsenal recovered from a difficult first half to beat Leeds United 2-1 at Emirates Stadium and move level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

The champions were below their best against Daniel Farke’s well-organised side after the three-week international break, but improved after the interval to record their fifth victory in six league matches this season.

Leeds went ahead in the 55th minute when James Justin finished from just inside the area. He met a cross from Gabriel Gudmundsson after an effective move down the left, with Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes getting a touch but unable to prevent the ball from entering the net.

Arsenal responded seven minutes later. Ben White found Riccardo Calafiori unmarked, and the defender calmly sent his finish beyond England international goalkeeper James Trafford to restore parity.

Substitute Bruno Guimaraes then completed the turnaround with a powerful finish after a flowing attack down Arsenal’s left. Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice all contributed to the move before Guimaraes struck the decisive goal.

The result lifts Arsenal to 15 points, with Manchester City still ahead on goal difference and holding a game in hand.

Attention returned to football on Saturday after the announcement that Manchester City had been found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules. Enzo Maresca’s side are due to visit Liverpool on Sunday and are expecting a hostile reception following last week’s guilty verdict.

Arsenal had entered the match with a perfect record before losing 3-0 to Brighton last month, but they found it difficult to break down a physical Leeds team that had conceded only three league goals this season.

Noni Madueke was given a rare start on the left of Arsenal’s attack after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad. He replaced the injured Christos Tzolis, while Saka started on the opposite flank, but neither winger was able to make a significant impact before half-time.

Arsenal managed only one shot on target during the opening 45 minutes. Leeds created the clearer opportunities late in the half, although Jayden Bogle and Anton Stach obstructed one another as Stach’s effort struck his team-mate.

Bogle was then denied from close range by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who reacted quickly to smother the shot. Raya also made a sharp save to keep out a tight-angle attempt from Leeds defender Gabriel Gudmundsson.

The second half was more open, with chances at both ends. Ao Tanaka impressed in midfield for Leeds and forced Raya to tip an effort over the crossbar before Justin put the visitors in front.

Arsenal’s response ensured Leeds’ determined performance went unrewarded.