Arsenal fans were full of praise for one of Mikel Arteta's players following their 2-1 comeback win over Leeds United on Saturday (October 10th).
After a three-week international break, the Gunners headed into today's game looking to bounce back from a shambolic 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. They were put under pressure by a spirited Leeds side on several occasions and fell behind after 55 minutes when James Justin gave the visitors the lead.
Arsenal responded well and equalised through Riccardo Calafiori seven minutes later. Bruno Guimaraes came off the bench to the score the winner in the 70th minute as the North Londoners moved level on points with leaders Manchester City.
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds: Calafiori Comes Up Clutch
While Guimaraes won TNT Sports' Player of the Match award and Declan Rice earned plaudits for setting up both goals, Calafiori's contributions didn't go unnoticed. The Italian left-back is enjoying a superb start to the season and is proving to be a real threat going forward.
Calafiori's equaliser came after Rice headed the ball back into a dangerous era in the box. He pounced, with a tidy left-footed finish that James Trafford couldn't prevent from finding the back of the net.
That goal means Calafiori has now scored three goals and provided two assists in five outings for club and country since the start of the season. He also played a massive role throughout, making two key passes, two tackles and two clearances.
The 24-year-old joined Arsenal from Bologna in the summer of 2024 after he caught the eye with Italy at that year's European Championships. After overcoming injury struggles, he's become one of the first names on Arteta's teamsheet.
'Sensational All Season': Fans Hail Calafiori
Arsenal fans made clear how highly they regard Calafiori after his role in the comeback win over Leeds. Many took to X to sing his praises including one fan who wrote: "Calafiori is easily one of the BEST attacking fullbacks I’ve seen. What a clutch player going forward."
Another supporter tipped their hat to the Italian: "Riccardo Calafiori is such a underrated player."
One fan suggested the Gunners don't need former transfer target Julian Alvarez: "Álvarez who? We’ve got Calafiori!"
Another pointed out this is one of several impressive outings: "Calafiori has been sensational all season."
One fan highlighted the two goalscorers' influence on the game: "Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimarães. Arsenal’s X-factors."
Another supporter analysed his team's performance and claimed the full-back kickstarted the turnaround: "Arsenal's comeback was brilliant, but the tactical lesson is bigger than the result. Slow circulation, limited penetration and predictable attacking patterns nearly cost us. Calafiori sparked the response, Bruno delivered the winner and Arteta's changes mattered."
Calafiori spoke to TNT after the game about stepping up "physically" which he believes he has done. He will turning his focus to Tuesday's Champions League encounter with French outfit LOSC Lille.
