Arsenal opened their Premier League season with a 5-0 win over Leeds, but injuries to Odegaard and Saka dampened celebrations.
Arsenal began their Premier League campaign with a commanding 5-0 win over Leeds at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres both scored twice, while Bukayo Saka added another in a dominant display from Mikel Arteta’s side. Timber opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a glancing header from Declan Rice’s delivery before Saka doubled the lead shortly before half-time.
Gyokeres, making his first home appearance, struck soon after the restart with a composed finish before Timber added his second from close range. The Swedish forward later converted a penalty in stoppage time to complete his brace.
Fifteen-year-old Max Dowman made his senior debut after impressing in pre-season, while new signing Noni Madueke started for the first time. However, the victory was tempered by injuries to captain Martin Odegaard, who was withdrawn with a shoulder issue, and Saka, who limped off in the second half.
The Gunners face Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday in what could be an early test of their title credentials.