Arsenal's Martin Odegaard misses from close range after 'world-class' Declan Rice skill during Leeds win - 'How has that not gone in?'

Arsenal were made to work hard for their 2-1 win over Leeds United in Saturday's early Premier League encounter – live with TNT Sports on HBO Max – but their margin of victory might have been wider during a phase of play which swung from the sublime to the ridiculous.

‘Beyond my wildest dreams’ - Kane on reaching 125 caps with England

Video credit: SNTV

James Justin's composed finish during the second half gave the visitors a deserved lead, but goals from Riccardo Calafiori and substitute Bruno Guimaraes turned the game on its head.

The result means the Premier League champions moved level on points with leaders Manchester City ahead of their trip to face Liverpool on Sunday – but it could have been a more convincing scoreline in the closing stages.

Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard – who both played crucial roles in Guimaraes' match-winning goal – combined again but were guilty of failing to find the net during the same remarkable phase of play as Leeds survived a glorious chance from underneath their own crossbar.

Champions League

Arsenal handed Rice warning after Slavia scare in Champions League

9 hours ago

"I don't know how it's not gone in," TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher said. "The two touches in the build-up from Rice are world class. How can that hit Martin Odegaard and not go in?"

'Goal of champions' - Guimaraes finishes off superb move to complete comeback

Video credit: TNT Sports

The move started with Odegaard having the ball at his feet on the edge of the Leeds penalty area. A measured pass to Jurrien Timber down the right invited a deep cross, which was met at the far post by Rice.

Brilliant skill from the England midfielder took the ball away from defender Jayden Bogle as he dribbled to the byline, but his cross aimed at Odegaard initially appeared to have been blocked by Tarik Muharemovic.

Such was the pace of the low delivery that the Leeds defender's attempted clearance ricocheted off Odegaard, only to land in the gloves of goalkeeper James Trafford.

Ally McCoist, on co-commentary duty for TNT Sports, said: "Jayden Bogle buys the dummy... honestly, it's tremendous from Rice. Muharemovic gets it caught between his feet, he's ecstatic with that result."

'I feel unbelievable' - Guimaraes delighted as Arsenal bounce back

Video credit: TNT Sports

Joe Cole added: "The composure from Rice is superb. There's a great touch and the body shape is world class. I can't believe it."

Arsenal found their resolve after looking out of sorts for much of the opening hour on Saturday. As confirmed by Opta, the hosts had five shots in the 15 minutes following Leeds' opener, scoring twice to take the lead.

To put that into context, the hosts had managed just five shots in the opening 55 minutes before Leeds scored.

In completing the comeback, Arsenal became the first team to come from behind to win twice in the Premier League this season, having also recovered from 1-0 down to beat Chelsea 2-1 in their previous game at Emirates Stadium.

Arteta told TNT Sports: "Before the game we talked about two things. One, the challenge ahead because Leeds had not lost in the Premier League and it was going to be really tough. And the second one, to restore our identity and be ourselves again, regardless of the context of the match.

"We weren't pleased with our performance against Brighton, and today was an opportunity to put that right. We certainly reacted in the manner we expected. Leeds are extremely well organised, they have very physical [players], and they are committed in everything they do.

"When you play at 12:30 at home and you go 1-0 down, you have to restore a lot of things. The energy is one of them. We had an incredible response; you could sense the crowd, and the energy changed immediately. The finishers came on and made a huge difference to help us win the game."

Following the 3-0 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion prior to the international break, this was an important victory for Arteta, who made a triple substitution after Justin's opener.

Timber, Guimaraes - a £75m summer signing from Newcastle United - and Viktor Gyokeres were all introduced, and Arsenal's strength in depth ultimately proved the difference.

Arteta added: "We bring a lot of leadership on in those three players. Goal threat, players that can win duels, can play forward and penetrate against this high press.

"The timing, the connection and the execution of [Guimaraes' goal] was a beauty."

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Download the TNT Sports app on iPhone and Android.

Watch and stream the Premier League, men's and women's FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live with TNT Sports on HBO Max.

Transfers