Leeds United suffered a huge setback in their battle for Premier League survival after a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal yesterday saw them drop into the relegation zone as the hosts took another step towards securing a top-four finish.
Arsenal remained fourth and moved four points clear of north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League race ahead of Thursday's derby, while Leeds slipped to 18th place as Everton's 2-1 victory at Leicester City lifted them to 16th.
Former Leeds loanee Eddie Nketiah fired Arsenal ahead after five minutes when visiting goalkeeper Illan Meslier dwelled on a routine back pass, allowing the forward to nip in and poke the ball home.
Five minutes later, winger Gabriel Martinelli played a neat cutback to the unmarked Nketiah for the 22-year-old to tap in and put Mikel Arteta's side in control. Leeds were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half when Luke Ayling was sent off for a reckless challenge on Martinelli.
Leeds defender Diego Llorente headed in a corner after 66 minutes to give Jesse Marsch's side an unlikely lifeline but Arsenal weathered a nervy finish.
Everton, meanwhile, climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone with a 2-1 win at Leicester City after defenders Vitalii Mykolenko and Mason Holgate scored at the King Power Stadium.
