Arteta confirms Arsenal have reported alleged racist abuse during win at Leeds

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal have reported an incident of alleged racist abuse during Saturday's win at Leeds United.

The Gunners ran out 4-1 winners at Elland Road, with a brace from Gabriel Martinelli and strikes from Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe earning them all three points.

It was a result which strengthened their grip on a top-four place, with many of their rivals not playing following a raft of postponements in the Premier League.

But the positive performance and result was somewhat marred by the alleged abuse of some of their substitutes, which was reported to the fourth official by Rob Holding.

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Speaking shortly after the win, Arteta said: "Yes unfortunately I can confirm that. It was reported to the stadium manager then the authorities will deal with that."

Asked who the abuse was directed to, he added: "The players that were sitting on the bench. One of them heard those comments.

"I don't know exactly who it was that's why they will have to be interviewed by the authorities."

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa was also pressed for a comment and whether he would condemn the actions should they be subsequently proven.

He told Sky Sports: "It's incredible that you ask me this question, what can I answer you? Of course I'm against all acts of discrimination.

"It's a question that at this point, how am I not going to be against segregation?"

Back to actions on the field, Arteta was full of praise for his players after chalking up a third victory in the space of eight days.

"It was a great performance from the lads," he said. "They're the ones who have to execute [the game plan] against a team who are uncomfortable to play against.

"We've had three games in a week, very physical games. I'm very pleased.

"We had some intentions. I think the players understood the game really well. We were really effective and in the first half we were really good. I think we deserved these three wins and we're really pleased."

Martinelli was the star of the show scoring twice in the first half and now has four goals and two assists in the last six games in the Premier League.

That's why you have to prepare a player," Arteta continued. "You can't throw in a player when he's not ready. He has so much still to improve. He's very humble. His big passion in life is football."