Carabao Cup

Arsenal 2 (Chambers 55’, Nketiah 69’)

Leeds United 0

Arsenal: Leno (GK), White (Chambers 55’), Smith-Rowe (Lacazette 72’), Maitland-Niles, Holding (c) (Tavares 77’), Soares, Pepe, ElNeny (Lokonga 72’), Nketiah, Kolasinac, Martinelli. Subs not used: Ramsdale (GK), Partey, Saka, Balogun, Oulad M’Hand. 

Leeds: Meslier (GK), Forshaw (Klich 45’), Roberts (Gelhardt 53’), Llorente (Cooper 58’), Dallas (c), Rodrigo (Greenwood 69’), James (Summerville 69’), Struijk, Harrison, Phillips, Drameh. Subs not used: Klaesson (GK), Hjelde, Cresswell, McKinstry. 

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side exited the Carabao Cup in Round Four, following a midweek defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. 

The first half began with Arsenal having the first real strike on goal. Gabriel Martinelli broke free down the left and surged into the box, seeing his powerful effort well saved by Illan Meslier.

Both teams were mainly held to set-play opportunities, with plenty of corners being awarded at either end. In each case, the defence would stand strong and clear.

The Whites had their first chance on goal when a superb diagonal ball over the top from Diego Llorente was collected by Dan James, who controlled, but just couldn’t quite get his strike off before Bernd Leno collected in the Arsenal goal. 

The ‘keeper was to be tested shortly after though. Llorente again was involved as his header fell to Jack Harrison, who struck left-footed, only to see Leno dive to his left and palm it clear. 

Before the break, both James and Harrison would call the Arsenal stopper into action again but saw their efforts comfortably dealt with. Emile Smith-Rowe then had a chance for Arsenal, striking just wide of the far post, which meant the teams went into half-time level. 

HALF TIME: Arsenal 0-0 Leeds United

Leeds went to the bench at the break. Adam Forshaw was replaced in central-midfield by Mateusz Klich, and a few minutes into the half the second change arrived as Joe Gelhardt came on for Tyler Roberts. 

Arsenal’s first change brought about the first goal. Ben White was forced off through injury and replaced by Callum Chambers. 

As the defender entered the pitch, his side had a corner, which he managed to connect with and force over the line. The goal was awarded by goal-line technology and the hosts had the lead through Chambers. 

With just over half an hour remaining, Arsenal then doubled their lead. Eddie Nketiah pounced on a mistake at the back to flick the ball over Meslier, control, then tap into the empty net to make it two. 

Despite plenty of possession until the end of the game, no further chances of note were created. Arsenal were standing firm at the back to keep their two-goal lead and progress into the next round of the Carabao Cup. 

FULL TIME: Arsenal 2-0 Leeds United

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Attendance: tbc

Referee: Andre Marriner

Booked: Roberts (Leeds) Soares (Arsenal)