Premier League: Nketiah’s first-half brace helps Arsenal beat 10-men Leeds, Arsenal edge closer to secure Champions League spot – Watch Arsenal beat Leeds United HIGHLIGHTS

Nketiah doubled the Gunners’ advantage five minutes later, finishing clinically with his left foot from close to the penalty spot after the excellent Martinelli picked him out with a cutback from the byline.

A nightmare start for Leeds took another huge turn for the worse when Ayling was given his marching orders for a mindless challenge, referee Chris Kavanagh whipping out a red card following a VAR check after initially booking the defender.

Premier League: Arsenal edge closer to secure Champions League spot

Llorente cleared off the line late in the first half and Martinelli forced a save from Meslier following the restart before blazing over the crossbar, with Leeds on the ropes.

Arsenal were coasting, but Llorente gave Leeds a lifeline when Junior Firpo flicked on a corner from the left and Llorente was on hand to tuck home with his right foot at the back post.

Martin Odegaard spurned a chance to restore Arsenal’s two-goal advantage when he cut inside and drilled a left-foot drive just wide, but Nketiah’s double extended the Gunners’ winning run to four games.

Gunners strengthen grip on fourth spot, Leeds enter dropzone

Arsenal’s fate remains in their own hands ahead of their battle with Spurs after they beat Leeds for a third time this season, capping a great week for Mikel Arteta after he signed a new contract.

The alarm bells are ringing for Leeds after they slipped into the bottom three, behind Burnley on goal difference and a point worse off than Everton after the Toffees’ huge 2-1 victory at Leicester.

What’s next?

While Arsenal’s destiny may well be decided by Thursday’s North London derby – where they can secure Champions League qualification with a win over arch-rivals Spurs – Leeds will return to Elland Road for a midweek clash with third-placed Chelsea.