Arsenal show champions' grit in 2-1 comeback win over Leeds
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Arsenal found themselves behind before responding with the kind of resolve that title-chasing sides need, coming from behind to beat Leeds United 2-1. The result continues a pattern that has become familiar for Mikel Arteta's side this season: the ability to dig out results even when the opening exchanges do not go their way.
Leeds took the lead against the run of expectation, forcing Arsenal to rethink their approach on the afternoon. Rather than wilting under the pressure of a surprise deficit, the Gunners responded with two goals of their own to turn the game around and secure all three points, as detailed by Philip Duncan for Yahoo Sports.
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Another test passed
Games against promoted or newly returned sides can often prove tricky, with opponents setting up to frustrate the bigger name on the pitch. Leeds' approach on the day appeared to follow that script early on, and for a spell it looked as though Arsenal might be made to pay for any slow start.
Instead, the response from Arteta's players underlined the mentality that has been built over recent seasons. Coming from behind to win is not something Arsenal have always been associated with in the past, but it is increasingly becoming a hallmark of this current group.
Champions-level composure
The description of the win as showing champions' grit speaks to where Arsenal currently find themselves in the conversation at the top of the Premier League. Results like this one, ground out rather than cruised to, are often the ones that end up mattering most when titles are decided in May.
There will be sterner tests to come, and Leeds will not be the most accomplished side Arsenal face this season. But the manner of the turnaround, from conceding first to finishing as comfortable winners, offers another data point in favour of the squad's depth and temperament under pressure.
Arsenal will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture as the title race continues to take shape through the autumn.
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