Arsenal return to Premier League action looking to address a rare and sobering defeat, suffered just before the long international break.
The Gunners had a 100 per cent record this season heading into the trip to Brighton and Hove Albion in late September. But that was well and truly shattered as Fabian Hurzeler’s side romped to a 3-0 win on the south coast.
It provided Arsenal with a reminder that defending their Premier League crown will not be a straightforward task. The ensuing three weeks have allowed them to take stock and the recent news of manager Mikel Arteta signing a new, long-term contract provided a major fillip. Statements accompanying that, from CEO Richard Garlick, referred to wanting to “dominate football for the next number of years”.
Safe to say then that Arsenal have the bit between their teeth to roar back in style. They begin with what looks like an almighty stiff test as a buoyant Leeds United visit the Emirates.
And they will take on the Yorkshire side with a few injuries to contend with. Speaking to the media on Friday lunchtime, Arteta revealed that Christos Tzolis will be unavailable and that question marks remain over the influential trio of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa.
Meanwhile, on his aforementioned new deal, Arteta said: “My family are very grateful to be able to enjoy this unbelievable right to continue. I said from the beginning that me and the club wanted the same thing but I loved the way it was handled. The most important thing is at the end, when you’re about to sign, looking around the room and seeing excitement in their eyes. That’s it, now I have to earn the right every single day to continue at this level”
Leeds have been fabulous this season, still unbeaten in the league and picking up where they left off in the second half of the last campaign. Daniel Farke has added quality to his ranks with James Trafford and Tarik Muharemovic helping solidify them at the back and Harry Wilson a solid, attacking addition.
Ahead of the trip south, Farke was in confident mood: “It’s not a coincidence that in the last 10-11 months we are the fifth best team in the Premier League in terms of points. We haven’t won the lottery to be in fifth, it’s not coincidence that we are unbeaten after a very impressive start to the Premier League.
“It will be difficult against Arsenal. There’s no doubt. We have to make sure also that we have our spells where we dominate the ball and keep the ball in possession far away from our goal and threaten their goal and give also our back row time to breathe and give opportunities to our offensive players.
“It’s of course, tough, because everyone is aware of the strength of Arsenal, but if you want to be successful in such a game, you have to be brave, and if I’m honest, we have also all reasons to be confident and brave. There’s nothing really to lose in this game, but we also have to make sure that we don’t run naïve into counter attack after counter attack, that’s also key.”
