Arsenal return to the Emirates with a point to prove after the international break, welcoming an unbeaten Leeds United side that has made a tidy start to life in the Premier League.
Arsenal looking to reset after Brighton setback
Mikel Arteta’s side had begun the campaign with four straight wins before Brighton brought that run to a sharp halt at the Amex, beating the Gunners 3-0 in their final outing before the 20-day pause in the fixture list.
That defeat also ended Arsenal’s unbeaten start, although they remain second in the table on 12 points. Only Manchester City, with a perfect record of victories, sit above them.
- Arsenal started the season with four wins from four.
- They were beaten 3-0 by Brighton before the international window.
- The Gunners are second on 12 points.
- Manchester City lead the way after winning every league match.
- Tzolis and William Saliba are unavailable through injury.
The break has been an unusually lengthy one, and its effect will be worth watching, particularly for an Arsenal squad containing a sizeable international contingent. Managers often speak warmly of a reset until the returning players begin arriving at different hours with different knocks.
Leeds arrive unbeaten and well placed
Daniel Farke’s Leeds have also made a confident opening to the season. They have yet to lose in the league, collecting two victories and three draws to reach fifth place.
Leeds’ most recent match ended goalless at home to Crystal Palace, a result which preserved their unbeaten record even if it offered rather less spectacle than the table might suggest.
- Leeds have won two of their first five Premier League matches.
- They have drawn the other three.
- Farke’s team sit fifth in the standings.
- Their last league game was a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
Emirates fixture resumes the league programme
The match marks the return of Premier League action after the break, with Arsenal trying to regain their early-season rhythm and Leeds aiming to show that their encouraging start can travel as well as it has begun at home.
Kick-off coverage is scheduled from 13:30, with both clubs returning to league duty carrying positions near the top of the early table and rather different immediate concerns: Arsenal seeking a response, Leeds protecting an unbeaten record.
