Arsenal FC boss Arteta happy with “positive performances and results.”

Gabriel Martinelli scored a brace as Arsenal ran riot over an injury-hit Leeds at Elland Road to secure their third successive Premier League victory.

Leeds 1-4 Arsenal.

Arteta hails Arsenal FC win over Leeds [Sky Sports Screen Shot]

Arsenal’s win over Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites tightens the Gunners’ grip on a Premier League top-four spot.

Arsenal FC manager Mikel Arteta admitted that he is happy with his Gunners’ “performances and results” this week after securing wins over Southampton and Leeds United. The north London club took full advantage of a depleted Leeds side as they beat the West Yorkshire club 4-1 at Elland Road on Saturday evening. It was the Gunners’ third Premier League win on the trot and the win means they move four points clear of West Ham in fifth. Bukayo Saka was close to breaking the deadlock in the third minute but the England international fired wide. Although, Arsenal didn’t have to wait too long as they took the lead in the 16th minute via the inform Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian doubled the lead just before the half-hour mark and then Saka made it 3-0 as the first half came to an end. Leeds winger Raphinha pulled one back from the penalty spot in the second half but the hosts couldn’t build on that with midfielder Emile Smith Rowe scoring the fourth in the 84th minute to secure the win for Mikel Arteta's side. Arsenal could have scored more goals but Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier made fine saves to deny Saka, Alexandre Lacazette, Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney from hitting the back of the net.

'We were really lucky to play today'

However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta lauded his team while speaking to BBC Sport. “It was a really tough week but really positive with performances and results. We must be happy today,” the Spaniard said.

"They had to play the most physical team in the league and they had to be ready. We had a nightmare to come to the hotel. "They [the young players] are learning and they’re making a difference in the game. The senior players are playing a big role too. "That’s what he [Gabriel Martinelli] can do. He’s getting a level of maturity. He’s so willing to learn. His passion in life is football. You can see that on the pitch. "[Emile Smith Rowe has scored] seven in the league which is a remarkable figure. We wanted him to add it to his game." Asked if it was important to win to increase the gap with nobody else playing, Arteta relied: "Absolutely. It puts pressure on them. We were really lucky to play today with everything that’s happening. I told the players to enjoy the game and give everything because I don’t know how this will develop." On goalscorer Martinelli's influence, the 39-year-old told Sky Sports: "Huge. That's why you have to prepare a player. You can't throw in a player when he's not ready. He has so much still to improve. He's very humble. His big passion in life is football." When asked about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, he said: "He wasn't involved in today's game. Let's see. There's a privacy matter at the moment that I have to respect." And, on the Covid cases in the squad, Arteta asserted: "Everyone is healthy. We always follow the guidelines. Now it's play as you can and we'll play as we can. [The Premier League] will make the best decision for everybody. We want to play all under the same rules. That's where I think they have to come forward. Whatever they decide is best for the competition, but it has to be explained."

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