Gary Neville spots Mikel Arteta’s ‘weak point’ after Arsenal thrash Leeds United

Arsenal pulled off a 5-0 demolition job of Leeds United on Saturday as Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres both grabbed a brace while Bukayo Saka scored too, but Gary Neville wasn’t impressed with their slow start

Gary Neville has warned Arsenal that their poor first half hour against Leeds United “could come back as a weak point” later on in the season, despite hammering the newly-promoted side 5-0.

The Gunners romped to a dominant win at the Emirates on Saturday thanks to two goals each from Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres, plus one from Bukayo Saka.

It was a memorable day that also saw a debut handed to 15-year-old starlet Max Dowman, though the day was overshadowed by worrying injuries to captain Martin Odegaard and Saka.

While it was a comfortable day for Arsenal, they were slow to get going as Leeds frustrated them – and it wasn’t until the 34th minute that they broke the deadlock as Jurrien Timber scored from a corner.

Saka then made it two before the break before Gyokeres scored the first of his two strikes either side of another Timber goal from a set piece.

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Neville lauded Arsenal’s performance but said their slow start was something to keep in mind going forwards as it could hint at a weakness.

“An emphatic win for Arsenal – who were too good for Leeds,” said the former Manchester United defender. He added: “I wouldn’t forget that first half an hour for Arsenal as it could come back as a weak point.

Neville was also critical of Gyokeres’ play in the first half as he was snatching at chances and struggling to get going.

“It’s been a struggle,” he said. “I thought he showed glimpses against United, I thought Matthijs de Ligt marked him brilliantly. Playing at Old Trafford is a tough game. I’m a bit more concerned about today.

“It’s obviously very early in his career, but you can’t let that negativity spiral build. The pressure’s on him. People are looking to him to score that 20 goals that will take Arsenal to the title. The scrutiny will be great if it carries on like this. He needs a goal.

“It’s not just the scoring, is it? It’s the general play. Does he look like he’s neat in his game, tidy, bringing people into play, awareness of what’s going on around him? He looks a bit scruffy in his first game and a half.”

Gyokeres had the last laugh as he hit back at the pundit by scoring twice in the second half – the first from a smart finish and the second from the penalty spot.

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