Arsenal kick off their home campaign on Saturday evening with a clash against newly promoted Leeds United, with or without the creative spark of Eberechi Eze, who remains a doubt.
Both sides come into this one off the back of narrow 1–0 wins. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners pulled off a smash and grab victory at Old Trafford, while Daniel Farke’s Leeds edged Everton thanks to a controversial handball decision.
Arsenal did not create much from open play in Manchester, but once again, their set pieces bailed them out, a recurring theme in recent months. Riccardo Calafiori scored the only goal after a shaky moment from United's backup keeper, Altay Bayindir. Despite the three points, Arsenal fans will know their team rode their luck at times, with United, boosted by Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, wasting several chances.
Credit also goes to David Raya, who pulled off a string of key saves to secure the win. That result marked Arsenal’s sixth 1–0 away win over United in the Premier League and extended their unbeaten run against fellow Big Six sides to 22 games, an impressive streak.
They have now won three league games in a row, though each by just one goal. In fact, they have not won a home league game by more than a single goal since their 5–1 demolition of Manchester City over six months ago.
Still, another narrow win this weekend could see them break new ground. Arsenal are currently unbeaten in 42 straight Premier League home games against newly promoted teams. One more will tie Chelsea’s all-time record from 2001 to 2015.
As for Leeds, their return to the Premier League began with a bit of drama. Lukas Nmecha coolly slotted home a penalty to seal the win over Everton, after James Tarkowski was judged to have handled the ball in the box. Though the call was debated, as his arm was by his side, the slight lean toward the ball may have tipped the decision against him.
Regardless of the controversy, Leeds deserved the win. They dominated large spells and looked far sharper than their visitors, securing their first Premier League victory in over two years.
Winning their first two games back in the topflight would be a huge statement and something they have not done since 2002. But history is not on their side in London. Leeds have lost their last seven Premier League games in the capital.
And their recent record against Arsenal is even more bleak. The Gunners have won the last six meetings between the two clubs and are unbeaten in 14 straight clashes. Leeds have not beaten Arsenal since their days at Highbury, all the way back in 2003.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Just hours after news broke that Kai Havertz had picked up a fresh knee injury — with the severity still unknown — Arsenal landed another win over Spurs, this time off the pitch. The Gunners swooped in to hijack Tottenham’s move for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, with all parties agreeing on terms.
Even so, Saturday’s game will likely come too soon for Eze to make his debut at his boyhood club, meaning Gabriel Martinelli is expected to keep his place on the left wing for now.
Elsewhere, Ben White and Christian Norgaard are both doubts and will face late fitness tests after picking up knocks. Norgaard also missed the win over Manchester United. Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined and is still a few months away from returning as he recovers from an ACL injury.
Over at Leeds, manager Daniel Farke had to take off Ethan Ampadu during the Everton match, and it's now confirmed that he has suffered an MCL injury. He’ll be out until after the international break.
Ilia Gruev is the most likely candidate to step in at the base of midfield, but otherwise, Leeds should have a nearly full squad available. Jaka Bijol is back from suspension, and Sebastiaan Bornauw was fit enough for the bench last weekend after recovering from a calf problem.
There was no emotional return for Dominic Calvert-Lewin against his former club on Monday, and now he faces more competition up front with Noah Okafor in the mix. The new signing from AC Milan could be considered for his debut this weekend.
POSSIBLE LINE
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stach, Gruev, Tanaka; Gnonto, Nmecha, Harrison
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 2-0 Leeds United
