A first Premier League hat-trick for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saw the Gunners return to winning ways with a 4-2 win over Leeds.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was back with a bang as the Arsenal captain scored a ruthless hat-trick in a 4-2 win against Leeds United.
Three games without a win left the Gunners under pressure, but the north London side brought their attacking game at the Emirates.
Aubameyang punished Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier by beating the goalkeeper at his near post to give the Gunners the lead after 13 minutes.
Arsenal were awarded a penalty later in the half as Bukayo Saka went down under pressure from Liam Cooper. However, the decision was overturned after a VAR review.
Arsenal eventually got their spot-kick after Meslier brought down Saka again five minutes later.
Aubameyang stepped up to score the resulting penalty and also hit a milestone of 200 career league goals.
Hector Bellerin then beat Meslier at his near post on the stroke of half-time to cap a miserable opening 45 minutes for the Leeds keeper, with Arsenal taking full advantage.
The punishment continued soon after the break as half-time substitute Helder Costa was caught on the ball. Aubameyang completed his hat-trick by heading home a smart Emile Smith Rowe cross. It was his first Premier League hat-trick for the Gunners.
Leeds pulled a goal back through a bullet header from Pascal Struijk and then set Arsenal nerves jangling as Helder Costa halved the deficit with 20 minutes remaining, but Arsenal saw things out to collect a much-needed three points.
Player ratings
Arsenal: Leno (6), Luiz (6), Gabriel (6), Bellerin (7), Soares (6), Xhaka (6), Ceballos (6), Saka (8), Smith-Rowe (7), Odegaard (6), Aubameyang (9),
Leeds: Meslier (5), Shackleton (6), Ayling (6), Cooper (6), Alioski (6), Struijk (7), Raphinha (6), Dallas (5), Klich (6), Harrison (5), Bamford (6)
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