Arsenal 2-1 Leeds: Eddie Nketiah strikes twice as Gunners edge closer to sealing Champions League spot

Arsenal took a significant step towards securing their place in next season's Champions League with a nervy 2-1 win over 10-man Leeds who drop into the relegation zone. Eddie Nketiah bagged an early brace against the club he was on loan to back in 2019-20 to put Mikel Arteta's side in control.

Ad/> However, despite the fact Leeds had to play with just 10 men for over an hour following Luke Ayling's straight red card, Arsenal were made to sweat for their three points after Diego Llorente halved the deficit in the second half. Barclays FA WSLChelsea survive scare to take WSL title after thrilling final day2 HOURS AGO Leeds' day got off to the worst possible when, with five minutes on the clock, goalkeeper Illan Meslier took a heavy touch and was immediately closed down by Nketiah, whose tackle took the ball over the line.

But it was to get much worse for Jesse Marsch's side just minutes later when Nketiah doubled Arsenal's advantage, finishing with a first-time shot from Gabriel Martinelli's pull-back. The visitors were then reduced to 10 men, captain Ayling lunging in two-footed on Martinelli and although Chris Kavanagh initially showed the full-back a yellow card, the decision was overturned when the referee watched the replay on the monitor.

Arsenal appeared to be cruising towards three points until the 66th-minute when, out of nowhere, Leeds got on the scoreboard from their first corner of the game. Llorente was unmarked at the far post, and he made no mistake by smashing it past Aaron Ramsdale.

That set up a tense finale and although the nerves were tangible inside the Emirates, the hosts managed the game to secure a precious win in their quest for Champions League football next season. Victory moves them four points