Arsenal Leeds United
When Leeds United met Arsenal in the early weeks of this season, the result did not go well. It was just the Whites’ second game in the Premier League.
The team were riding on a high after beating Everton in their opener at Elland Road. But the visit to the Emirates Stadium went horribly as they lost by five goals. The result did not match the performance in the game as the Gunners punished Leeds for basic errors. It was an early lesson for Daniel Farke’s men during the season.
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Now, both sides are set to meet again on Saturday, this time at Elland Road. The Gunners had their travel plans changed on Friday, as they decided to make the trip to Leeds by coach instead of taking a flight. This means they took the long way; a 200-mile trip to play on Saturday afternoon.
Mikel Arteta hints to Arsenal game plan versus Leeds United
Arsenal will be coming into Saturday’s game hoping to bounce back and maintain their grip on first place in the title race. Leeds will also be hoping to get a result, with West Ham having closed the gap last week. It will be interesting to see how both sides fare this time around; the Whites are a much better team, having turned the corner last month. Arsenal have been consistent this season and are the best team in the league.
Ahead of the game, Mikel Arteta has given a clue to how his side might approach the game at Elland Road:
”It depends on what the game needs. You can be vertical when the opponent behaves in a certain way.
”When there are 10 players inside the box you cannot be vertical. You can maybe shoot from the edge or create chaos in the box or do something different or generate set-pieces.
”So if they want to defend, they make sure to defend there, but with six or seven players inside the box.
”So it depends on how the opposition behaves and the opportunities that you have in relation to space and time.”
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Can the Whites spring a surprise?
Elland Road is a difficult place to visit for every Premier League team; Leeds United have won more than half of their points this season at their home ground. And it has not been a fluke, they consistently play their best football there. Bigger teams find themselves on the back foot anytime they play Leeds United at home; and the results have showed – this season Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all dropped points at Elland Road. So this weekend’s game is not going to be a walkover for the Gunners.