Noni Madueke fails, Jurrien Timber perfection - Arsenal ratings v Leeds United
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(Credit: Imago)
Ben Palmer
Sat 23 August 2025 19:33, UK
Arsenal ran riot as Jurrien Timber doubled his career tally for the Gunners in an easy 5-0 win over Leeds United but injuries to key players will be a source of concern.
After an opening half hour in which the visiting side came close to giving away an easy goal on several occasions, the Gunners’ Dutch defender broke the deadlock, heading home from a Declan Rice corner.
Bukayo Saka then doubled the home side’s lead on the stroke of half-time, although there will be concern for Arsenal’s star man as he limped off in the 53rd minute clutching his hamstring, suffering a similar fate to Martin Odegaard, who was also forced off in the first half.
Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres was the next to get on the scoresheet, scoring his first for his new side as he crafted a goal from a hopeful Riccardo Calafiori pass, much to the delight of the home crowd.
And the corner-masters were up to their usual tricks as they scored their third of the season, with Timber bundling home following a scramble in Leeds’ six-yard box.
There was also a proud moment for the academy as Max Dowman made his senior debut for Arsenal, coming on in the 64th minute, winning a late penalty dispatched by Gyokeres after the superb Timber had netted a second of his own.
Mikel Arteta will have been delighted with his side’s performanceCredit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
David Raya – 7
David Raya made a stunning stop to deny Anton Stach from a corner in the first half, but had little else to do for the rest of the match as Leeds struggled to create any opportunities of note.
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Jurrien Timber (off for Mosquera 64?) – 10 – Player of the Match
Poacher.
Timber had scored twice for Arsenal before their clash with Leeds.
He’ll only get one assist for his tally on the season, but it was his delivery that caused the scramble which Timber scored his second from.
Bukayo Saka (off for Trossard 53?) – 7
Saka missed a chunk of last season due to a hamstring injury and there will be massive concerns that he could be set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines after limping off early in the second half.
Viktor Gyokeres scored twice for Arsenal.
The Sweden international struggled against Man United and it looked as if he would suffer the same fate against Leeds, before finding the back of the net, much to the joy and relief of the home crowd, capped off his home debut with a goal from the penalty spot.
Noni Madueke (off for Dowman 64?) – 4
Noni Madueke swapped Chelsea for Arsenal this summer and he was the one player to struggle against Leeds, failing to have much of an impact from the left side.
Substitutes
Ethan Nwaneri (on for Odegaard 38?) – 7
It was a big vote of confidence from his manager that, with plenty of options on the bench, Arteta chose to bring Ethan Nwaneri on.
The young midfielder slotted into the midfield with ease and played the ball around nicely.
Leandro Trossard (on for Saka 53?) – 6
Offered width and directness, although his end product was lacking, the game petered out shortly after his introduction.
Max Dowman won a penalty on his debut for Arsenal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly will undoubtedly feature regularly in that role this season.
Cristhian Mosquera (on for Timber 64?) – 6
Cristhian Mosquera is an intriguing player and it will be interesting to see how he fits in at Arsenal long-term, given the partnership of Gabriel and Saliba is so well-established.