Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka put Arsenal on course to continue their winning start to the new Premier League season, but the Gunners suffered a setback as captain Martin Odegaard was forced off on his 200th appearance for the club.
Arsenal, who were arguably poor value for their 1-0 win at Manchester United last Sunday, struggled to create chances for much of the first half at the Emirates Stadium at a game preceded by the introduction of Eberechi Eze as their latest signing.
But Timber broke the deadlock with Arsenal’s first effort on target, the defender marking his inclusion in the starting XI in place of the injured Ben White with a fine header from Declan Rice’s superb corner delivery.
Yet there were worrying scenes soon after when Odegaard was withdrawn and replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.
Odegaard had fallen awkwardly in a challenge with Anton Stach early in the first half. The Norwegian twice received treatment for the injury before then admitting defeat after the third visit from the medical staff.
The feel good factor was restored by Saka, though, the England international lashing home at the near post in the first minute of first-half stoppage time to leave Leeds with a mountain to climb.
