![\"Arsenal](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1_GettyImages-2230851834.jpg\")
Gary Neville warned Arsenal their slow start against Leeds could be a weak point – despite winning 5-0<\/p>\nArsenal pulled off a 5-0 demolition job of Leeds United on Saturday as Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres both grabbed a brace while Bukayo Saka scored too, but Gary Neville wasn’t impressed with their slow start<\/p>\n
23:02, 23 Aug 2025Updated 23:03, 23 Aug 2025<\/p>\n
Gary Neville warned Arsenal their slow start against Leeds could be a weak point – despite winning 5-0<\/p>\n
Gary Neville has warned Arsenal<\/a> that their poor first half hour against Leeds United<\/a> “could come back as a weak point” later on in the season, despite hammering the newly-promoted side 5-0.<\/p>\n The Gunners romped to a dominant win at the Emirates <\/a>on Saturday thanks to two goals each from Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres, plus one from Bukayo Saka<\/a>.<\/p>\n It was a memorable day that also saw a debut handed to 15-year-old starlet Max Dowman, though the day was overshadowed by worrying injuries to captain Martin Odegaard and Saka.<\/p>\n While it was a comfortable day for Arsenal, they were slow to get going as Leeds frustrated them – and it wasn’t until the 34th minute that they broke the deadlock as Jurrien Timber scored from a corner.<\/p>\n Saka then made it two before the break before Gyokeres scored the first of his two strikes either side of another Timber goal from a set piece.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Mikel Arteta left speechless by Max Dowman moment for Arsenal – ‘Never witnessed it in my life’<\/a>READ MORE: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta issues worrying Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka injury update<\/a><\/p>\n Neville lauded Arsenal’s performance but said their slow start was something to keep in mind going forwards as it could hint at a weakness.<\/p>\n “An emphatic win for Arsenal<\/a> – who were too good for Leeds,” said the former Manchester United<\/a> defender. He added: “I wouldn’t forget that first half an hour for Arsenal as it could come back as a weak point.<\/p>\n Neville was also critical of Gyokeres’ play in the first half as he was snatching at chances and struggling to get going.<\/p>\n “It’s been a struggle,” he said. “I thought he showed glimpses against United, I thought Matthijs de Ligt marked him brilliantly. Playing at Old Trafford is a tough game. I’m a bit more concerned about today.<\/p>\n “It’s obviously very early in his career, but you can’t let that negativity spiral build. The pressure’s on him. People are looking to him to score that 20 goals that will take Arsenal to the title. The scrutiny will be great if it carries on like this. He needs a goal.<\/p>\n “It’s not just the scoring, is it? It’s the general play. Does he look like he’s neat in his game, tidy, bringing people into play, awareness of what’s going on around him? He looks a bit scruffy in his first game and a half.”<\/p>\n Gyokeres had the last laugh as he hit back at the pundit by scoring twice in the second half – the first from a smart finish and the second from the penalty spot.<\/p>\n Join our new WhatsApp community<\/a> and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a343<\/p>\n \u00a335<\/p>\n Sky<\/p>\n![\"Viktor](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1_GettyImages-2231684067.jpg\")
Neville was also critical of Gyokeres in the first half – before the striker had the last laugh by scoring twice after the interval<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1745569994_974_0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\")
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