Arsenal gets a grip on the fourth place after an easy victory over Leeds United

The visitors dropped into the Premier League relegation area after Everton F.C. beat Leicester City, 2-1.

After an entertaining win, Arsenal increased their lead over Tottenham Hotspur by four points.

This was Mikel Arteta's fourth consecutive win, and it puts Arsenal in contention for a top-four spot before Thursday's North London derby against the Spurs.

Arsenal had a flying start.

After a terrible mistake by Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier, Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring for the hosts at the five-minute mark.

Arsenal got the second goal in minutes as Nketiah proved why there are growing calls for him to be guaranteed a long-term future at Arsenal, despite his current contractual situation.

Gabriel Martinelli displayed some great feet on the left flank and cut back to Nketiah, who then slid it home with his left leg from eight yards.

Leeds was down a man at the 27-minute mark as VAR reported that Luke Ayling's reckless tackle on Gabriel Martinelli violated the rules and deserved a red card.

Mikel Arteta's men might have extended their lead further with Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli getting close to a goal during the half-time intervals. But failed to do so. 

Leeds United put pressure on Arsenal in the end.

Leeds United failed to make a shot on goal in the first half until Diego Llorente passed Aaron Ramsdale on 66 minutes. As a result, the Emirates Stadium finished more nervy than anyone expected.

Junior Firpo made a rare corner kick for the visitors. It landed at Diego Llorente's feet, who finished the match with the calm of a veteran striker.

Leeds United tried to find an equaliser but was denied it in the final minutes as striker Rodrigo Moreno could only redirect a late header into Aaron Ramsdale's grasp.

Leeds United put in some pressure later stage, sending Meslier up to set-pieces. However, fourth-placed Arsenal held there without any real danger.

Despite a nervy end to proceedings for Arsenal, they still managed to win and cement their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. However, they can only guarantee it if they beat Tottenham next in their anticipated North London derby next Thursday.

Leeds United have fallen into the relegation zone with the fellow bottom-of-the-table companions Everton winning their game against Leicester City. Leeds United is left with only three matches remaining.

Although Leeds United have 34 points to their name, they are still way behind 17th ranked Burnley via goal differential.