Bukayo Saka on target as Arsenal move fourth with win over Sheffield United

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe set Arsenal on course for a 2-1 win over Sheffield United which moved them into fourth in the Premier League.

After receiving his first call up to the England squad, Saka capped an amazing week by breaking the deadlock in the 61st-minute with a confident header. Substitute Pepe doubled Arsenal's advantage less than four minutes later to give Mikel Arteta's side breathing space in the game.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang produced the only moment of quality in the first half, with his dipping shot from all of 30 yards forcing a fine save from Aaron Ramsdale, as Arsenal struggled to break down the stubborn visitors. Eddie Nketiah, who started ahead of the in-form Alexandre Lacazette, registered the first shot of the match in the 28th minute, the longest wait for a shot in a Premier League match this calendar year.

The major talking point of the first period came after just five minutes, though, when last-man David Luiz appeared to pull back Sheffield United forward Oliver Burke after the Brazilian was caught in possession, but the referee Lee Mason allowed play to continue and the hosts survived.

Arsenal picked up the tempo after the restart and opened the scoring with their first incisive move of the game, Hector Bellerin picking out Saka at the far post, before Pepe gave the hosts what looked a comfortable lead.

David McGoldrick scored Sheffield United's first goal of the season with a lovely curling shot from the edge of the box to give the visitors hope with six minutes remaining, however, Arsenal held on to win their third league match of the season, leaving Chris Wilder's men pointless after four games.

This was far from a vintage Arsenal performance as for large parts of the game they lacked the imagination to unlock a stubborn and disciplined Sheffield United.

The Gunners have struggled to break down hard-working teams in the past and indeed they dropped four points against Wilder's hard-working men last season. It looked like history would repeat itself - until a quick-fire double put Arsenal in control.

And while Arteta needs one or two fresh faces before the transfer window, with a creative, quick-thinking midfield player the priority, he will have been delighted his side dug deep to grind out a victory to keep the momentum flowing. He has developed a winning mentality at the club and for the first time in some years, Arsenal look like they could be top-four contenders once more.

It has truly been a week to remember for the 19-year-old, who seems to be growing in confidence with every passing week. In the left wingback position, Saka was Arsenal's most threatening player and it was fitting his first goal at The Emirates came just days after he received the call from Gareth Southgate.

Arsenal: Leno 6, Gabriel 6, Luiz 5, Tierney 7, Bellerin 7, Ceballos 7, Elneny 6, Saka 8, Willian 5, Aubameyang 7, Nketiah 5.. subs: Maitland-Niles N/A, Pepe 7, Xhaka N/A.

Sheffield Utd: Ramsdale 6, Baldock 6, Egan 7, Basham 6, Robinson 5, Stevens 5, Osborn 6, Berge 5, Lundstram 6, Burke 6, McGoldrick 7.. subs: Fleck 5, McBurnie 5, Sharp N/A.

61' - GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield Utd (Saka): Saka caps an amazing week personally with the opening goal! An incisive move carves the visitors open, with Bellerin picking out Saka at the far post and he finishes with a confident header!

64 - GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sheffield Utd (Pepe): Arsenal are pulling clear now! Pepe puts breathing space between the clubs with a lovely goal. He runs onto Bellerin's pass and his pace carries him into the penalty box and he finishes into the bottom corner with a precise shot.

83' - GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Sheffield Utd (McGoldrick): Game on?! McGoldrick gives Sheffield United hope with a fine curling effort from the edge of the penalty area to provide us with the potential for some late drama at The Emirates!