20 December,2021 08:03 AM IST | Leeds (UK) | Agencies
Gabriel Martinelli
Injury-hit Leeds slumped to its second alarming loss in five days, 1-4 at home to Arsenal in the only English Premier League match to take place because of a wave of pandemic-affected postponements. The match on Saturday was marred by an allegation of racial abuse from a spectator toward Arsenal's players. It was reported to officials by Arsenal, manager Mikel Arteta said.
Coming off a 7-0 thrashing at Manchester City on Tuesday, Leeds - down to nine senior players and with a 15-year-old on the bench amid an injury crisis - was ripped apart in the first half as Gabriel Martinelli scored twice and Bukayo Saka added another.
The home side was better organised in the second half and managed a consolation when Raphinha converted a penalty after striker Joe Gelhardt, 19, was tripped by Ben White, Arsenal's former Leeds center back. Substitute Emile Smith Rowe's 84th-minute goal piled on the misery for Leeds, which is five points above the relegation zone having played three games more than third-to-last Burnley.
Meanwhile, COVID-19-hit Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by Wolves on Sunday after the Premier League rejected their request to postpone the game as Manchester City put struggling Newcastle to the sword.
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