The three-time Premier League runners-up left their opponents with hardly any chance thanks to a dominant performance.
Although Arsenal secured the expected win in their season opener, the team had been dissatisfied with their performance. In an attacking display that largely addressed those shortcomings, the player meant to erase past frustrations, Yokereș, scored a brace. With contributions from others as well, Mikel Arteta’s side comfortably defeated Leeds United.
At the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, the home team triumphed 5-0. Defender Jurien Timber scored twice, while Bukayo Saka also found the net.
Arsenal dominated throughout and climbed to the top of the league table. With two wins from two matches, they have six points. Tottenham Hotspur also has six points but sits second due to goal difference.
In the first 45 minutes, Arsenal managed to put only one of six attempts on target, and that effort gave them the lead. In the 34th minute, Timber headed in from a Declan Rice corner.
Just before halftime, Saka doubled the lead with brilliant technique, assisted by Timber. Receiving a through pass into the box, the English forward struck sharply on his first touch.
Yokereș, who earned the “goal machine” tag last season with 54 goals in 52 matches for Sporting, wasted no time opening his Premier League account. Following a quiet performance against Manchester United last week, he scored a spectacular goal in the 48th minute.
He converted Ricardo Calafiori’s lofted ball, moving up the left side and cutting past two defenders before slotting a low shot into the net.
Meanwhile, newly signed Aubrey Ejeke was seen enjoying the goal celebration from the stands. Eight minutes later, Arsenal extended their lead further with Timber scoring his second.
Arsenal maintained over 65% possession, taking 18 shots, five of which were on target—all successful.
The final goal came in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Yokereș converted a penalty after 15-year-old midfielder Max Domyan was fouled in the box.
