Arsenal crushes Leeds 5-0 and consolidates as Premier League leader

August 23, 2025, Premier League (Photo: Arsenal FC)

What the preseason and the opening round had already hinted at is now confirmed: Arsenal are indeed the favorites for this year’s title. The Gunners started their Premier League campaign with authority, thrashing Leeds United 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium. The match showcased Arsenal’s offensive power and left no doubt that the title is within reach, while Leeds, freshly promoted, will have to focus on staying in the top flight.

Jurrien Timber was the standout performer of the match, scoring twice and delivering a pinpoint assist for Bukayo Saka, making the most of the best set-piece team in the world. Viktor Gyökeres also opened his Premier League account with two goals, one of them from the penalty spot, won by 15-year-old debutant Max Dowman, who received a warm reception from the fans.

Still, the rout carried a worrying note: both Martin Ødegaard and Saka left the pitch with injuries, adding to Mikel Arteta’s growing list of absentees and testing the squad’s depth.

With this victory, Arsenal secured six points out of six possible and sits at the top of the Premier League from the very start of the season, strengthening their title aspirations with authority.