Arsenal stormed to the top of the Premier League table with a 5-0 demolition of Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium, but the emphatic victory was marred by injuries to captain Martin Ødegaard and star winger Bukayo Saka.
It was a night to remember for Jurrien Timber, who scored twice, while Viktor Gyökeres opened his Arsenal account with a brace.
Academy prospect Max Dowman, just 15 years old, made his debut and won a late penalty to cap an unforgettable evening for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Timber breaks the deadlock
After spurning a couple of early chances, with Gyökeres guilty of a glaring miss, Arsenal were almost punished when Pascal Struijk’s header forced a sharp save from David Raya.
But the breakthrough came via a familiar weapon: a Declan Rice corner, met by Timber who glanced in the opener.
Saka doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time, finishing clinically after a quiet first period.
The third came soon after the restart as Gyökeres cut inside and coolly slotted home to open his Gunners account, much to the delight of £60m signing Eberechi Eze, who was presented to the crowd pre-match.
Injury concerns for Arteta
The joy was tempered when Saka limped off with a hamstring injury early in the second half, joining Ødegaard, who had already been forced off with a shoulder issue in the first half, with Liverpool looming, Arteta faces an anxious wait.
Despite those setbacks, Arsenal pressed on. Timber added his second with a scrappy finish before teenager Dowman, making history with his debut, earned a penalty which Gyökeres converted emphatically to complete the rout.
Ireport247news Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (7/10): Superb save to deny Struijk; otherwise untroubled.
Jurrien Timber (9/10): Two goals, one assist, and a commanding display.
William Saliba (7/10): Strolled through the game, barely tested.
Gabriel Magalhães (7/10): Strong pressing and solid in defence.
Riccardo Calafiori (7/10): Physically dominant and supplied the pass for Gyökeres’ first goal.
Midfield
Martin Zubimendi (7/10): Industrious, created early chance for Gyökeres.
Declan Rice (8/10): Two assists from corners, relentless energy.
Martin Ødegaard (6/10): Withdrawn after 38 minutes with a shoulder issue.
Attack
Bukayo Saka (7/10): Quiet until his goal, then forced off injured.
Viktor Gyökeres (8/10): Opened his account with a composed finish, added a late penalty.
Noni Madueke (5/10): Showed flashes but lacked end product.
Substitutes
Ethan Nwaneri (6/10): Bright in spells after replacing Ødegaard.
Leandro Trossard (6/10): Slotted in comfortably after Saka’s withdrawal.
Max Dowman (7/10): Dream debut at 15, winning a penalty.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10): Solid cameo.
Cristhian Mosquera (6/10): Debut appearance late on.
Manager
Mikel Arteta (8/10): Will be delighted with the ruthlessness and debutant Dowman’s cameo, but concerned about injuries to Saka and Ødegaard.