Arsenal restart title defence against unbeaten Leeds
By Karl Matchett
That comes after Mikel Arteta signed a new long-term deal to stay as manager, taking him towards a decade in charge -and he’ll certainly be hoping to add more to last season’s Premier League title.
Strong start – then a stutter
Leeds United will be a tough enough first opponent back, but two quickfire home games – with Lille midweek – against beatable sides will be a welcome remedy after the Gunners were dismantled by Brighton before the break. That game came after seven straight wins, but against both Sunderland and Ipswich immediately before the Seagulls, Arsenal had looked vulnerable and were perhaps fortunate to take maximum points.
That makes the reset moment an opportune one, with Arteta well aware that a return to winning ways is vital but also handily timed: Arsenal might go under the radar a little, given the focus and fury around Manchester City. Higher-profile opponents for the guilty-pending-appeal club will have them in the spotlight and maybe leave Arsenal to thrive in the shadows – something they’ve been adept at in previous campaigns. Still, there are questions to answer, including how to get Bruno Guimarães consistently into the side and who fills in for the injured internationals.
Unbeaten Leeds!
It’s easy to dismiss only five games in, but Leeds are fifth in the table and more pertinently, unbeaten. This will of course be their hardest test, but they thoroughly deserved their resounding win over Newcastle and their 3-5-2, in place since midway through last term, looks well-organised, hard to break down and capable of posing a big threat on the break.
Daniel Farke is getting the best out of a few key players, but it’s the fully-functional midfield which impresses most. Ethan Ampadu is a big defensive protector and Anton Stach is an all-action menace in both halves. They set the platform for success higher upfield, but this is very much a team-wide effective setup that the manager has put in place.
Recent form
Arsenal have already kept six clean sheets this term including the Community Shield. It’s four wins from five in the league. For Leeds, a cup loss to Chelsea comes alongside two wins and three draws so far.
Team news
Kai Havertz, Ezri Konsa and Christos Tzolis picked up injuries on international duty, but Declan Rice is likely fine after missing the entire break. Ben White and William Saliba are also out, as is Joe Rodon for the visitors. Harry Wilson is a doubt.
Key player
Martin Ødegaard was in rampant form before the internationals and clocked four assists during it – in league terms he’s top 4% for line-breaking passes, top 6% for chances created and top 8% for expected assists among midfielders this term.
Prediction
Not an easy one but a narrow home win wouldn’t be a shock, if Leeds can’t quickly regain momentum: Arsenal 1-0 Leeds.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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