Arsenal defeated relegation-threatened Leeds United 4-1 on Saturday to keep control of the Premier League title race, with Gabriel Jesus scoring his first goals in six months.
Jesus scored a penalty in the 35th minute after Luke Ayling clipped him in the box. This was his first league start since returning from a knee injury last month.
Ben White increased Arsenal's lead after receiving a pass from Gabriel Martinelli, and Jesus, who was acquired from Manchester City last summer, added a goal from close range in the 55th minute after receiving a pass from Leandro Trossard.
Leeds had caused Arsenal some bother in the first half, but when Jesus gave the home team the lead, it was mostly smooth sailing as they regained their eight-point advantage over the champions Man City.
When Rasmus Kristensen's deflected shot gave Leeds a chance to tie the game in the 76th minute, the visitors did cause some anxiety in the home crowd, but Granit Xhaka's header handed Arsenal another three points in their quest for their first championship since 2004.
After an earlier 4-1 demolition of Liverpool, City increased the pressure on Mikel Arteta's team.
With seven straight victories in the league, Arsenal has 72 points after 29 games. City, who still must host the London club, has 64 points after playing one fewer game.
With 26 points, Leeds is still in a dangerous situation in 16th, one point ahead of Leicester City in 18th.
Jesus' return to the first team after suffering an injury at the World Cup is well-timed. Jesus started the season off for Arsenal in stunning fashion with a flurry of goals and assists.
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