Leeds United have come an awfully long way since that 5-0 defeat to Arsenal back in August - yet one issue is still outstanding
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
06:00, 31 Jan 2026
Daniel Farke greets Mikel Arteta during August's reverse fixture
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Daniel Farke greets Mikel Arteta during August's reverse fixture (Image: Malcolm Bryce/Leeds United FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal will not play the same Leeds United that got rolled over 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium back in August.
That day, home supporters were sent into raptures as Eberechi Eze was presented on the pitch before kick-off, before new striker Viktor Gyokeres managed to score his first goals in red. Since then, both have endured rough patches.
In an ideal world, Leeds fans will have hoped that a new January striker of their own would have been unveiled by today's reverse fixture but, with deadline day approaching on Monday, the chances of a capture get ever slimmer.
The Whites have been in talks with Wolves for Jorgen Strand Larsen, but they have been adamant that a club record fee of £40million is their limit. Crystal Palace appear willing to pay more and jumped ahead in the race on Thursday.
Daniel Farke is still leaving the door open for arrivals before the end of the window, but it is possible he ends the window with just one signing - Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Facundo Buonanotte.
Farke has stressed that the club is not in 'panic mode' and is determined not to disturb the equilibrium of his squad given their form, with just one defeat in 10 Premier League games. "We're on a really good path and for that we can be pretty picky on what we want to do," he said.
However, Lukas Nmecha's minor hamstring injury - not his first this season - highlights the risk that would be taken without a newbie.
The in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has a long injury CV, will remain the main choice but other striker options besides Nmecha consist of Noah Okafor - naturally a winger - and the hardly-used Joel Piroe, who is the subject of numerous transfer enquiries.
Yet, it cannot be ignored Leeds are playing like a different team since changing to a 3-5-2 formation in November, with Calvert-Lewin - who was not fit to face the Gunners in August - being on the brink of recording double figures for the first time in five years. Saturday's game is being eagerly anticipated, not feared.
"They are the league leaders and are in the best position to win the title, so for that it's the toughest task that we can have,” said Farke about Arsenal.
"We also know if we are at the top of our game and we are at our very best - and especially at our home at Elland Road - we can deliver a performance and fight for points against every opponent in the world.
"We will also go into this game with the necessary respect and we know that we probably need an outstanding day to have a chance to win points against this outstanding Arsenal side.
"But we also know that they are capable to do this. For that, we are looking forward to this game."
After a season-opening win at home to Everton, Leeds came crashing back down to earth with that five-goal defeat to Arsenal. Monday's 1-1 draw with Everton, having dominated the first half, showed how far Leeds have come in away games.
"What we took out of this [5-0] game is that we never can underestimate a small situation, that each of the details can be decisive," Farke reflected.
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"In each of the split seconds against the top sides, to be aware - this is perhaps what you could take out of it. But I think it's more important that, right now, we are used to playing the top sides and we can [make it] a very tight and competitive game."
This Saturday is a chance for Leeds - who have lost just twice at home since this season - to show how far they have come against a ravenous title-hunting Arsenal side looking to make up for last weekend's defeat to Leeds' bitter rivals Manchester United.