Arsenal eye top-four finish as victory sends Leeds into relegation zone

Arsenal took another step towards securing a top-four spot after battling to a 2-1 win over Leeds United on Sunday, a result which sent their opponents into the relegation zone.

Arsenal remained fourth and moved four points clear of north London rivals Tottenham in race for Champions League ahead of Thursday's derby, while Leeds slipped to 18th place following Everton's 2-1 victory at Leicester City.

Former Leeds loanee Eddie Nketiah put Arsenal ahead after five minutes when visiting goalkeeper Illan Meslier dwelled on a routine back pass, allowing the forward to nip in and score from inside the six-yard box.

Five minutes later, winger Gabriel Martinelli wriggled past three Leeds defenders and played a neat cut-back to the unmarked Nketiah as the 22-year-old tapped in and put Mikel Arteta's side in control of the contest.

Arsenal were hunting for a third, with Meslier saving efforts from Martinelli and Martin Odegaard, before Leeds were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half when Luke Ayling was sent off for a reckless two-footed challenge on Martinelli.

Leeds defender Diego Llorente volleyed home a corner after 66 minutes with their shot on goal of the game to give Jesse Marsch's side hope but Arsenal weathered a nervy finish to close out the victory.

Arteta signed a three-year contract extension on Friday and he is on course to repay that faith by leading Arsenal to their first Champions League campaign since 2016-17. Arteta, who won the FA Cup during his first year in charge at the Emirates, has steered the Gunners back towards the top of the table after their worst start to a season for decades.

West Ham United's Said Benrahma celebrates scoring the third goal on Sunday. Reuters

Meanwhile, West Ham were