Jesus, making his first start in the league since returning from a knee injury last month, converted a penalty in the 35th minute after being clipped in the box by Luke Ayling.
Ben White doubled Arsenal’s lead with a Gabriel Martinelli pass, then Brazilian Jesus, signed last summer from Manchester City, struck again from close range in the 55th minute with a Leandro Trossard pass.
Leeds troubled Arsenal early in the match, but after Jesus gave the hosts the lead, things went from strength to strength and they regained their eight-point lead over champions Man City.
The visitors caused some nervousness in the home crowd when Rasmus Christensen’s deflected shot gave Leeds a chance for a save in the 76th minute, but Granit Hack’s header provided Arsenal with three more points in their fight for their first title since 2004.
Earlier, City increased the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s team by defeating Liverpool 4-1.
Arsenal’s seventh straight win in the league gave them 72 points from 29 games, while City, who have yet to play the London club at home, scored 64 points with one less game to play.
Leeds remain in 16th place with 26 points, one point above 18th place Leicester City.
Jesus has had a terrific start to the season for Arsenal, scoring numerous goals and assists, and his return to the first team after a World Cup injury could not have come at a better time.
Everyone plays so well. It’s easy to come back. The most important thing is that everyone who came in is playing well, said Jesus.
His persistence and cunning brought Arsenal a nervous penalty on Saturday when he skipped into the penalty box and shot into the near corner.
