Being on a bit of a tour of Sri Lanka this week has definitely had its benefits and drawbacks when it comes to The Arsenal. I was able to use the convenient excuse of having to get up for various sightseeing exercises, so I didn’t have to deal with the aftermath of the United game last weekend. The Kairat game was a bit of a dead-rubber, plus it was on at 1.30 am, where we have been staying, so I skipped that and did a re-watch the next day, knowing the score. But I’d always intended to pen some thoughts in the aftermath of yesterday’s thumping of Leeds, regardless of the result, so it’s pleasing to be doing some words based on what ended up being a comprehensive smiting of the Yorkshiremen.

All talk pre-game was about the fact that this could officially be classed as a ‘wobble’ if Arsenal do not win. Three without victory, two goalless draws, a team that can’t score open play goals, etc, etc, blah, blah – you know the drill as well as I do. So when we also got the news pre-kick off that Saka had pulled up in the warm-up, you could forgive any Arsenal fan for being a little more apprehensive. His form in terms of goals may have dried up, but he’s still a talisman in this Arsenal team, as Odegaard been seen in times gone by too. But he was unexpectedly dropped – an acknowledgement from Arteta methinks, that his captain’s form hasn’t been great – and didn’t see any minutes until the game was practically won in the second half. A sign of things to come? Maybe, maybe not, because it was Havertz who replaced the Norwegian, and I think Arteta will have Kai earmarked for more attacking roles at the spearhead of our attack, when his fitness comes back up to the required level for him to be able to play a full 90.

Side note: I actually think Odegaard played really well when he came on. There was a definite verticality in his passing; it was almost as if being dropped had shot a rocket up his backside, and he realised how effective he could be.

The game itself started a little stodgy, though. Leeds got on the ball, the home fans were in good voice, they were keeping us at bay for at least the first 20 minutes, I think. And although we completely restricted them – as we often do to teams – in terms of chance creation, we weren’t getting in behind too much and creating loads of chances. It’s funny though, because for me personally, when the game goes on, I find myself seeing games differently to how the commentators do. I was watching on Sri Lankan TV and they had Lee Hendry and some other dude talking about how dominant we were, but until that first goal goes in, you’re always wondering if it’s going to be a game like that Forest one.

We have Martin Zubimendi to thank for the fact that we did get that all-important first goal, although Noni Madueke might have something to say about his role in the proceedings. I don’t know about you, but seeing him celebrate, I got a feeling that he celebrated that a little harder than normal – perhaps last weekend’s mistake was still playing on his mind? If that’s the case, much like Big Gabi at Newcastle last season, the best way to respond is like that. The ball from Noni was great (another guy who had a very good game in terms of delivery and end product – assist-wise), his header was well met and sometimes those bullet headers straight down the ‘keepers throat are really difficult to save.

1-0 to the Arsenal. Lovely. What you then need before halftime is that second to really make your dominance count. So of course, it was going to be a set piece that did it. I have seen Man City fans, Liverpool fans, as well as some of those scummy Spurs and Chelsea fans, talk up how we are anti-football. I couldn’t be happier to read it. They can moan all they like, but you don’t get half a goal for a set piece. You also have something in your locker that terrifies teams, which is the only explanation for why Karl Darlow flapped one in his own net. Of course, queue the Match of the Day and Sky Sports graphics talking about how ‘Own Goal’ is now our top scorer.

Cry me a river.

Lately, a 2-0 scoreline hasn’t felt like it was the ‘sure thing’ for an Arsenal win, with goals against us for Bournemouth and United, as well as two for Chelsea in the League Cup, which is probably why I felt a little more nervous than usual in that first 10 minutes of the second half. Leeds were always going to come out and ‘have a go’; their home fans would have demanded it. And again, whilst I personally was quite nervous, I think with the benefit of hindsight, the Arsenal players just took control and rode out the mini storm with relative ease in the end. A final nail in the coffin by way of an Arsenal third was all we’d need.

Did I mention the narratives about ‘Own Goal’ being trotted out? Well, step forward, Big Vik, who decided that on this day, that narrative was going to be quashed somewhat. Now, it wasn’t a scintillating performance from the Swede (he should have taken his shot on from a great ball from Trossard in that first half), but I think we’re all coming to realise that we just aren’t going to get that from him. He was fine, strong in places, held up the ball ok and I think his connection with Havertz looked good. What I will say, though, is that his goal was EXACTLY the sort of finish I thought we’d be getting from him this season. Odegaard’s ball in behind to set Martinelli racing was a little wide, but he did well to get on to it, and his left-footed cross in was begging for some good movement.

We got it. Gyokeres used his strength well. He got in front of his man, his finish was a bit of a shinner, but who cares? He’s there to do exactly that, and much like Zubi, you could kind of tell that he was very happy with that ball hitting the back of the net. He needed that just as much as Zubi must have felt he did.

Job done. But whilst we’re having fun, why not get a cherry on the cake, which Gabriel Jesus decided he wanted to be in on the action for? His goal was the pick of the bunch from a build-up and finish perspective. And it was a very ‘Gabby Jesus’ type of move. The type of goal where you think “if you could do that every week, you’d be an absolute legendary superstar”. We don’t get enough from him on a consistent basis (he was pretty crap against United), but he is still showing that he can have an impact this season.

And I wonder what impact this comprehensive win will have on the team? After a little wobble, we’ve scored four goals, some open play ones too, we can put the recent blip hopefully behind us and we go into a semi-final against Chelsea at home in which a win would get us to a League Cup final (probably) against Man City.

A good day’s work. Let’s build on it.