Arsenal thrashed Leeds 5-0 in their first home match of the Premier League season after a day that saw Eberechi Eze officially join the club and be unveiled to fans on the Emirates Stadium pitch.
Mikel Arteta believes the signing of Eze gives him his strongest ever squad as the Gunners look to go one step further and end their Premier League title drought. And they may well need that squad after both Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard hobbled off injured, the former with what looked like a hamstring issue and the latter with a shoulder knock. Arsenal will await further news.
On the pitch, another big summer signing, Viktor Gyokeres, made his home debut and scored twice in the second half, while 15-year-old Max Dowman was brought on for his Premier League debut and looked lively, winning the injury-time penalty that Gyokeres converted for his second goal.
Leeds were largely toothless as Gunners right-back Jurrien Timber scored twice from corners and Saka also lashed home a powerful finish before his injury.
Follow all the updates from the Emirates below:
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Arsenal v Leeds LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
- Arsenal hammer Leeds 5-0 in Premier League
- Arsenal boosted as Eberechi Eze deal confirmed and Eze unveiled to fans on the pitch ahead of kick-off
- 90+4' - GOAL! Gyokeres hammers home a penalty after 15-year-old debutant Dowman fouled in the area (ARS 5-0 LEE)
- 56' - GOAL! Another Arsenal goal from a corner as Timber pokes in after a goalmouth scramble (ARS 4-0 LEE)
- 51' - INJURY! Saka hobbles off injured, seemingly holding his hamstring after pulling up when running (ARS 3-0 LEE)
- 48' - GOAL! Gyokeres gets his first Arsenal goal by cutting inside and finishing well (ARS 3-0 LEE)
- 45+1' - GOAL! Saka lashes home at Perri's near post after Timber's ball through (ARS 2-0 LEE)
- 34' - GOAL! Timber heads in Rice's corner as Arsenal strike from a set-piece once again (ARS 1-0 LEE)
Arsenal FC 5 - 0 Leeds United FC
Arteta gives updates on Saka and Odegaard injuries
20:31
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Luke Baker
There were some worries for Arsenal as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard both hobbled off injured.
Saka pulled up when running at full speed and went down appearing to hold his hamstring. The England international looked frustrated as he hit the deck and seemed to know that he had done some damage, as he was immediately replaced by Leandro Trossard.
Meanwhile, Odegaard went off with a shoulder injury in the first half. The Norwegian midfielder tried to initially play on but, with 38 minutes played, he was forced off – replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.
"Martin looks like a shoulder issue so we will have to scan tomorrow and understand how bad it is,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “And Bukayo had to come off after sprinting and when he was wrestling with the defender he felt something in his hamstring. It is the other side [to the previous injury] but it is still not good.
"I don't know [how long they will be out]. We already lost Kai [Havertz] which is a big player for us and now Bukayo and Martin. That is why the squad has to be well-equipped. It is going to be a long season and we are going to need a lot of players in order to achieve what we want."
Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal's impressive win
20:18
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Luke Baker
Mikel Arteta was understandably pleased with Arsenal’s big win.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Arsenal boss said: "A lot to be excited by. A really positive afternoon to start the season off at home, You could feel the energy immediately, that it had gone up a level and that is what we were looking for. The team played really well, really confident. The team created a lot and did not concede anything. Five goals and a clean sheet is a really good start.
"We have abilities to score in various ways. Very happy for Viktor [Gyokeres] scoring his first two goals and Jurrien [Timber] too for his two goals after such a long injury and hard work. Then the other debuts of Mosquera and Max at just 15 years old, that was special for sure."
On Dowman's debut: "We have to gather all the information. It's how he reacts and deals with the situation. What his teammates think about him, which is clear, because they kept on passing him the ball. It is great to be able to change the energy in the stadium by bringing him in and he had an impact. He won a penalty on his debut at the Emirates, that's incredible.
"It's credit first of all to his family, the way these kids have been raised and the environment created. They are not overwhelmed by the environment and context. And the work of the academy, for helping to raise these kids in that manner with the confidence and understanding of the game at just 15 years old."
Bukayo Saka hobbles off in huge injury worry for Arsenal
20:04
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Luke Baker
Arsenal suffered a potentially huge blow as Bukayo Saka hobbled off injured during their dominant 5-0 Premier League win over Leeds United.
The Gunners brushed aside newly-promoted Leeds with two goals from Jurrien Timber, both from corners, a brace from big-name summer signing Viktor Gyokeres and a powerful finish from Saka himself just before half-time.
But the day turned sour when, early in the second half, Saka pulled up when running at full speed and went down appearing to hold his hamstring. The England international looked frustrated as he hit the deck and seemed to know that he had done some damage, as he was immediately replaced by Leandro Trossard.
Why Arsenal’s future looks brighter then ever after demolishing Leeds
19:54
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Will Castle at Emirates Stadium
The future looks bright for Arsenal. Hoping for it to be “fourth time’s a charm” in their pursuit of Premier League glory, a flawless start to the new season feels imperative. It meant a home victory over newly-promoted Leeds United, in itself, was not so much a headline as it was an expectation. Instead, the stories of the day centred around a select few individuals, those that spark visions of rediscovered success.
Arsenal fans begun the afternoon on tenterhooks, waiting for the imminent confirmation of new arrival Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. They wouldn’t have to wait long. The Gunners’ new No 10 was unveiled to the Emirates faithful prior to kick-off to raucous reaction, returning to club he grew up playing for and supporting.
To call this a homecoming, as was proclaimed over the PA, might be inaccurate - Eze was of course dumped by Arsenal as a teenager, something not fitting of a nurturing home. But as the 27-year-old calmly waved to his new fans, he let out a wry smile, almost as if to stick it to those who lost faith in his 13-year-old self all those years ago. That mistake has just cost Arsenal £60m.
Eze could well be the final piece to Mikel Arteta’s title-dreaming puzzle. He is exactly the player they need, a dribbler with creative spark who can break down the most stubborn defences. Yet his acquisition has already become something more of a necessity rather than a luxury.
Read Will Castle’s full report from the Emirates:
Jurrien Timber: 'A special day'
19:44
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Luke Baker
Here’s how Jurrien Timber reacted to his two-goal day at the Emirates.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Timber said: "Special day! A nice first home game of the season. You felt the energy from the crowd. Clean sheet again is important."
On scoring two goals: "I don't think I have done that to be fair. God is good - all glory to him."
On Max Dowman: "I think everyone can see the potential he has. Playing today against grown men. He is a joy to watch, for the crowd too he is a joy to watch. Hopefully, he will have many amazing years here."
"I don't think I've done that to be fair!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2025
Jurrien Timber on scoring twice for Arsenal against Leeds! pic.twitter.com/E41PFXiKGS
WATCH: Gyokeres adds a fifth from the penalty spot
19:35
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Luke Baker
Here’s how Arsenal rounded things off, with a Viktor Gyokeres penalty
Arsenal have FIVE
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2025
And that's TWO for Viktor Gyökeres as he scores from the spot pic.twitter.com/QKe2G5gWOD
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 5-0 Leeds
19:29
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Luke Baker
Dominance for Arsenal as they cruise to a 5-0 win. A busy, busy day as Viktor Gyokeres scored twice, as did Jurrien Timber, while Bukayo Saka also netted but hobbled off with a concerning injury and 15-year-old Max Dowman made his debut for the Gunners.
A poor, poor day at the office for Leeds though
GOAL! Arsenal 5-0 Leeds (Viktor Gyokeres, 90+4 mins)
19:25
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Luke Baker
Was there a temptation to give it to Dowman? Arsenal fans were chanting his name... It’s Viktor Gyokeres anyway.
He looks calm as he steps up and hammers it home! A perfect day for Arsenal.
PENALTY! Arsenal 4-0 Leeds, 90+2 mins
19:24
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Luke Baker
And Arsenal have a penalty! Max Dowman jinks on the edge of the area, Stach pokes a leg in and there’s contact as the 15-year-old goes to the ground. Penalty says the referee!
Who will take it? Gyokeres or Rice the likely lads.
Arsenal 4-0 Leeds, 90 mins
19:21
,
Luke Baker
Into five minutes of added time now
WATCH: Dowman makes his Premier League debut
19:20
,
Luke Baker
Here’s 15-year-old Max Dowman coming on for his Premier League debut
Max Dowman makes his Premier League debut
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2025
At the age of 15 years and 234 days, he becomes the second youngest player in PL history - behind Ethan Nwaneri. pic.twitter.com/rwVZdDBlGD
CLOSE! Arsenal 4-0 Leeds, 80 mins
19:13
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Luke Baker
Fair to say that Dowman is looking lively here. He runs at Leeds left-back Gudmundsson, goes shoulder to shoulder with him and outmuscles the older man, who then brings him down. Yellow card for Gudmunsson.
From the subsequent free-kick, the ball drops to Dowman on the edge of the box and he lashes at goal but it whistles over the bar. Close!
Arsenal 4-0 Leeds, 76 mins
19:06
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Luke Baker
Young Max Dowman fancied that! The 15-year-old receives a crossfield ball on the right touchline, he runs forwards, cuts inside and fires at goal but it flies over the bar.
What a moment that would have been
Arsenal 4-0 Leeds, 73 mins
19:04
,
Luke Baker
This game is petering out somewhat now. Arsenal know they’ve wrapped this up, while Leeds want to limit the damage.
WATCH: Arsenal take control with second-half goals
18:58
,
Luke Baker
Arsenal have pulled away in this second half and that’s thanks to a first goal from Viktor Gyokeres and Jurrien Timber’s second of the match
Viktor Gyökeres scores his first Arsenal goal and what a goal this is ✨ pic.twitter.com/bpchneTaDY
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2025
Copy and paste!
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2025
Jurrien Timber gets his second of the game and from a Declan Rice corner once again pic.twitter.com/yoo0vcxf4A
Arsenal 4-0 Leeds, 66 mins
18:57
,
Luke Baker
What a moment for 15-year-old Max Dowman, who isn’t taking his GCSEs until next year, coming on for Arsenal in the Premier League
Arsenal 4-0 Leeds, 63 mins
18:56
,
Luke Baker
Another big moments in this match. Max Dowman - the highly-touted teenager - has been brought on for Noni Madueke and will make his Premier League debut at the age of 15 years, 234 days.
He’s been described as the best 15-year-old in the world by some and the Arsenal youth coaches believe he can be the new Kaka. It’s a lot of hype, can he deliver?
Cristhian Mosquera also comes on for a Premier League debut and Myles Lewis-Skelly is on too. Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori the men who are replaced.
For Leeds, Brenden Aaronson and new signing Noah Okafor are on for Gnonto and James.
Arsenal 4-0 Leeds, 59 mins
18:51
,
Luke Baker
Having had a look at replays, that Saka injury may have been a hamstring issue. If so, that’s a huge blow for Arsenal.
We’ll have to wait for more information but very worrying. Add in the potential Odegaard injury and this could be a costly win.
GOAL! Arsenal 4-0 Leeds (Jurrien Timber, 56 mins)
18:50
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Luke Baker
It's all happening now! An Arsenal corner and of course, it's another goal.
They really are inevitable from set-pieces. Rice whips the ball into the danger area, it bounces about, a couple of people take a swing, it rebounds off Saliba’s chest and then Jurrien Timber manages to poke it in.
A goalmouth scramble but absolute cruise control for the Gunners
SAKA OFF INJURED! Arsenal 3-0 Leeds, 51 mins
18:44
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Luke Baker
This is very, very worrying for Arsenal. Saka runs at full tilt, darts inside and as he’s approaching the area, he pulls up injured. Down he goes and he looks gutted, he knows he’s going to have to come off.
Hopefully this isn’t as bad as it look or as feared. But Saka looks downbeat as he hobbles off the pitch - Leandro Trossard comes on
GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Leeds (Viktor Gyokeres, 48 mins)
18:40
,
Luke Baker
HUGE! That’s exactly what Viktor Gyokeres and Arsenal needed.
It’s a lovely goal from the big-money Swede. He runs into the left channel and latches on to a ball over the top. Takes on his man, cuts inside Struijk and fires into the bottom corner expertly.
Lovely finish and there’s the mask celebration! Game over, job done for Arsenal and their new No 9 is off the mark
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 2-0 Leeds
18:37
,
Luke Baker
Back underway in north London. Is there any way back for Leeds here?
WATCH: Arsenal cruising against Leeds
18:28
,
Luke Baker
A comfortable 2-0 lead for Arsenal at the break after goals from Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka
Another Arsenal goal from a corner!
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2025
Declan Rice with the cross, Jurrien Timber with the header pic.twitter.com/X8JEsSpq1f
Bukayo Saka with a RUTHLESS finish to put Arsenal two up before half-time! pic.twitter.com/Nlgdp2aYoq
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2025
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 2-0 Leeds
18:21
,
Luke Baker
And the half-time whistle blows. Arsenal haven’t actually looked that good but they lead 2-0!
Jurrien Timber flicked in a corner as the Gunners worked their set-piece magic once more before Bukayo Saka lashed in a finish at the near post on the stroke of half-time to double the lead.
Arsenal 2-0 Leeds, 45+3 mins
18:19
,
Luke Baker
A real blow for Leeds, that one. Arsenal come forward again and Leeds are clinging on for half-time here.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Leeds (Bukayo Saka, 45+1 mins)
18:18
,
Luke Baker
Into three minutes of injury-time at the end of the half. AND ARSENAL SCORE!
They cut the ball out in midfield, it’s passed to Timber, who slips in Bukayo Saka and the England star hits it hard and early. Perri in the Leeds goal is unmoved as it flies in at his near post.
2-0 just before half-time
WATCH: Arsenal take the lead from a corner
18:13
,
Luke Baker
Arsenal. Corners. Inevitable.
Another Arsenal goal from a corner!
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2025
Declan Rice with the cross, Jurrien Timber with the header pic.twitter.com/X8JEsSpq1f
Arsenal 1-0 Leeds, 40 mins
18:12
,
Luke Baker
Leeds win a free-kick on the right touchline but the ball into the box isn’t great and Arsenal clear.
Stach retreats to deal with the cleared ball but makes a mess of it and Madueke wins the tussle, then heads towards goal. But Leeds are bailed out by the referee’s whistle as he gives them a free-kick for a foul on Stach. That was... erm... generous.
Arsenal 1-0 Leeds, 37 mins
18:09
,
Luke Baker
Arsenal really are unstoppable from corners - it’s such a weapon for them.
In bad news though, Martin Odegaard’s 200th appearance for the Gunners is cut short as he hasn’t been able to shake off that shoulder injury so young Ethan Nwaneri comes on for him.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Leeds (Jurrien Timber, 34 mins)
18:05
,
Luke Baker
AND THEY’VE DONE IT AGAIN! Set-piece superstars Arsenal score from a corner!
Rice whips it into the near post, Jurrien Timber makes a darting run from the centre of the box and flicks his header into the far corner beyond Perri. Class, pure class.
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds, 33 mins
18:03
,
Luke Baker
A battle down in the right corner between Saka, Gudmundsson, Timber and Gnonto. Think tag-team wrestling...
Arsenal emerge with the ball but Leeds press hard and force them back into their own half. They come again though and Calafiori’s cross is nodded behind for a corner. The Gunners’s specialism of course...
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds, 31 mins
18:01
,
Luke Baker
Nice reverse pass from Raya to Calafiori to launch an Arsenal attack. The Italian strides forward but overhits the pass to Madueke when trying to slip in the England international. It runs out of play for a goal-kick.
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds, 28 mins
17:59
,
Luke Baker
Odegaard walks to the side of the pitch but looks like he might try to give this a go initially. Nwaneri had stripped down into his kit but looks like he won’t be required just yet
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds, 26 mins
17:58
,
Luke Baker
After their bright start, Arsenal have lost their way a little bit - there’s not much cohesion so far.
Another worry is that Odegaard has gone down here and appears to be struggling with his right shoulder. The physio comes on to treat the Norwegian, who is sat on the pitch. Nwaneri warming up on the sideline and stripping off in case he’s needed.
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds, 23 mins
17:55
,
Luke Baker
James fires in a cross but Raya does well to get it away with traffic around. It looks like Raya may have hurt himself but he shakes it off.
SAVE! Arsenal 0-0 Leeds, 20 mins
17:51
,
Luke Baker
Wow! Good save by Raya. James whips in the corner, Struijk rises and powers a header goalwards that Raya does well to tip over the good. Sharp save.
Leeds’s best moment by far. Stach crosses the subsequent corner but it’s nodded away. James then tracks back well to prevent the counter-attack. Using his speed for defensive good there!
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds, 19 mins
17:50
,
Luke Baker
Leeds have barely got out of their half here... Arsenal attack again, Madueke tries to slip in Gyokeres but he’s forced wide by Bogle who reads it really well and wins the ball back.
But then, some action up the other end. Stach passes to James and his shot is blocked for a corner. How is Arsenal’s set-piece defence?
MISS! Arsenal 0-0 Leeds, 16 mins
17:48
,
Luke Baker
A let-off for Leeds! They try to play out from the back, a hospital pass from Perri to Stach sees Zubimendi come steaming in and nick it away.
The ball falls to Gyokeres in the box, he’s unmarked, probably 12 yards out but tries to hit it first time on the turn and pokes wide. I don’t think he realised how much time he had and assumed there was a defender there - he could have taken a touch and then finished in much more composed manner.
A second warning for Leeds, and goalkeeper Perri in particular, about the dangers of playing it out.
WATCH: Arsenal unveil Eze
17:45
,
Luke Baker
Here’s the pre-match unveiling of Arsenal’s newest signing, Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal's new no.10, Ebere Eze pic.twitter.com/Yoo8E2vz9C
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2025
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds
17:44
,
Luke Baker
It’s been all Arsenal in the early going
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds, 11 mins
17:42
,
Luke Baker
This is all Arsenal. Firstly, Calafiori goes down super softly and appeals for a penalty but nothing doing, rightly.
Then Rice clips the ball in but it’s just beyond a diving Saka at the back post. Promising by the Gunners.
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds, 10 mins
17:40
,
Luke Baker
Not great decision-making from Bogle there. It’s an unconvincing ball out to him by goalkeeper Perri, the Leeds right-back leaps to keep the ball in play, it falls to Madueke and he lunges to foul him and earns a yellow card. It’s 80 more minutes on a booking now... He probably should have just conceded the throw-in
A dangerous position for a free-kick but Leeds defend it well
CLOSE! Arsenal 0-0 Leeds, 8 mins
17:39
,
Luke Baker
Arsenal work a free-kick from the right but Rodon heads away well.
The Gunners come again, Saka runs at Gudmundsson, lays it off to Odegaard and he fizzes a shot goalwards but just wide of the right post. Not far away
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds, 6 mins
17:37
,
Luke Baker
As you might expect, Arsenal have made a positive start and are dominating possession. Leeds were defensively strong in the Championship last year and still look well disciplined.
Saka gets a first look down the right but very good defending by Leeds left-back Gudmundsson who forces him inside and nicks the ball away. The Swede impressed against Everton and has made a good start here
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds, 3 mins
17:34
,
Luke Baker
Nice start by Arsenal and Madueke runs down the left before slipping in the overlapping Calafiori. Good support play by the Italian but his cross is blocked
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Leeds
17:33
,
Luke Baker
After all the Eze excitement, we’re underway at the Emirates
'A raucous reaction is a fitting welcome home for Eze'
17:29
,
Will Castle at the Emirates Stadium
Here’s Will Castle at the Emirates, with his take on the Eze unveiling:
“An absolutely raucous reaction from the Arsenal faithful as Eberechi Eze is unveiled to the Emirates.
“Chants of "Eze, Eze, Eze!" ring round the ground, a fitting welcome home for a player who has well and truly proved why his teenage release was ill-advised.”
Arsenal unveil Eberechi Eze to fans ahead of Leeds clash as new signing confirmed
17:27
,
Luke Baker
Arsenal have unveiled Eberechi Eze to the Emirates Stadium faithful ahead of their Premier League meeting with Leeds after confirming the arrival of their new signing.
Eze moves from Crystal Palace for a believed fee of £60m plus £7.5m in add-ons and becomes the club’s seventh recruit of the summer, joining fellow high-profile acquistions Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi through the door.
Arsenal acted quickly to secure Eze after news of Kai Havertz’s knee injury, which left the club short in midfield.
Eze unveiled by Arsenal to huge roar
17:26
,
Luke Baker
Eze walks out of the tunnel, casually chewing some gum, dressed in an Arsenal shirt and jeans. He’s looks super relaxed but can’t stop himself breaking into a big smile as he is greeted by a roar from the crowd.
You just know how much this means to him
Arsenal v Leeds team news
17:25
,
Luke Baker
A reminder of today’s teams as we move towards kick-off.
Noni Madueke and Jurrien Timber start instead of Ben White and Gabriel Martinelli for Arsenal, while highly-touted 15-year-old Max Dowman is on the bench in the Premier League for the first time.
For Leeds, Ilia Gruev comes in for the injured Ethan Ampadu in the only change
Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke
Leeds XI: Perri; Bogle, Struijk, Rodon, Gudmundsson; Gruev, Stach, Tanaka; James, Piroe, Gnonto
Boyhood Arsenal fan Eze signs with the Gunners
17:16
,
Luke Baker
Eze was a boyhood Arsenal fans and signing with the club means the world to him
It was only ever Arsenal.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 23, 2025
A boyhood Gooner, our new number 10 – welcome home, Ebere ❤️ pic.twitter.com/k3h67d4rg7
DONE DEAL! Arsenal sign Eze and will unveil him ahead of kick-off
17:08
,
Luke Baker
There’s the news that Arsenal fans have been waiting for! Eberechi Eze is officially a Gunner and has joined the club on a deal worth £60m plus £7.5m in add-ons.
He’ll be unveiled on the Emirates Stadium pitch ahead of kick-off shortly.
Manager Mikel Arteta said of the signing: “We are absolutely delighted to bring Eberechi to Arsenal. He is a powerful and exciting player who will give us a new dimension in our attacking game.
“What stands out just as much as his talent and intelligence as a player, is the way he has worked hard throughout his career to get where he is today. His journey, his mentality, and his ambition are exactly what we want in our team, and we love how much it means to him and his family to be joining our club. We all look forward to start working with Eberechi soon.”
Fans getting in position at the Emirates
17:03
,
Luke Baker
It should be a cracking atmosphere at the Emirates today and fans are already getting in position
Arsenal name 15-year-old Max Dowman on bench
16:52
,
Luke Baker
Another big headline from the Arsenal team selection is that they have named 15-year-old academy star Max Dowman on their bench for a Premier League match for the first time.
After rising through the club’s academy, the attacking midfielder featured for Arsenal in pre-season and travelled with Mikel Arteta’s squad for their opening match at Manchester United.
He came off the bench to play in the pre-season matches against Milan and Newcastle United, catching the eye to be included in Arteta’s plans.
