Arsenal fight back to beat Leeds as Calafiori and substitute Guimaraes turn the game around

Arsenal came from behind to beat Leeds United 2-1 in the opening match of the Premier League’s sixth round, with Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimaraes scoring after James Justin had given the hosts the lead.

The result moved Arsenal on to 15 points in second place, level on goal difference with Manchester City. Leeds United remain sixth on nine points after suffering their first defeat of the season.

Justin broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a powerful finish after a low cross had travelled across the penalty area untouched.

Arsenal responded seven minutes later. Noni Madueke delivered from the right and Ben White headed the ball into the path of the advancing Calafiori, who finished to restore parity.

Mikel Arteta then made three changes, introducing Viktor Gyokeres, Bruno Guimaraes and Jurrien Timber. Guimaraes completed the turnaround in the 70th minute, driving a low shot into the net after Arsenal had moved the ball quickly through a series of passes.

It was Guimaraes’ second Premier League goal, with both coming after he had entered the game as a substitute. His previous goal came against Sunderland.

Calafiori continued his impressive scoring form, taking his total for the current season with Arsenal and Italy to three goals and two assists.

Arsenal’s defenders have also made a notable contribution in attack, with the club’s defenders now responsible for five goal contributions across the opening six league rounds.

Arteta handed starts to three players returning from injury during the international break: Ezri Konsa, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz. Leeds United named Dominic Calvert-Lewin in their starting attack.

Noah Okafor had the first chance after six minutes, but his shot struck Bukayo Saka and was diverted for a corner. Fourteen minutes later, Madueke’s cross found Havertz, whose header was comfortably saved by James Trafford.

Leeds defender Bogle then inadvertently blocked Justin’s effort in front of goal in the 26th minute. A minute later, Bogle went close himself, but David Raya was in position to make the save.

Arsenal created the better opportunities after the interval before Leeds took the lead. Martin Ødegaard’s low shot in the 52nd minute was easy for Trafford, while Raya produced an excellent stop to keep out a fierce effort from Ao Tanaka a minute later.

Arsenal nearly added a third late on when Ødegaard failed to connect with Rice’s low cross in the 83rd minute, despite the goal being unguarded.

Saka was also denied in the fifth minute of added time after going through one-on-one, with Trafford saving to prevent a third goal as Arsenal held on for victory.