Arsenal return to Premier League action with a home game against Leeds United.
The Gunners have had to sit on their 3-0 humiliation against Brighton and Hove Albion for three weeks due to the international break. We’re sure Mikel Arteta would’ve dissected that game in every way.
You would imagine that the Premier League champions would be fully motivated to right that wrong and batter Leeds like they did at home and away last season.
But Paul Merson thinks the advantage lies with the visitors.
Paul Merson explains Arsenal’s disadvantage against Leeds United
Despite the defeat against Brighton, Arsenal are the favourites to win the Premier League title.
The Gunners’ squad depth is easily the best in the division, and even though they picked up a couple of injuries during the international break, they are expected to deal with them without any issues.
That is why they are the favourites to pick up all three points when Leeds come to the Emirates in the early kickoff on Saturday. Most people expect them to win.
However, Merson thinks Daniel Farke’s side will have an advantage because Arsenal had plenty of players away on international duty during the three-week break.
The former Gunner believes that will hinder his old side, especially as they play very early on Saturday.
He told Sky Sports News: “A lot of players go away in the international break at Arsenal. They probably came back yesterday, did a little warm-up so they literally get today and a little bit tomorrow, running through set-plays and patterns, and then they’re kicking off at 12:30 pm on Saturday.
“So there hasn’t been a lot of time, and I think it’s a bit of a leveller for Leeds. This is a little bit of an advantage for Leeds that they’re playing straight after the international break at 12:30 pm.”
Arsenal cannot use the early kickoff as an excuse against Leeds
Yes, having players arrive back late and then play the first game of the matchweek at lunchtime is not ideal at all. The fact that there are a few injury concerns makes it worse.
However, that simply cannot be used as an excuse.
Arsenal’s defeat against Brighton is seen as a blip, but if they end up losing the very next game against Leeds at the Emirates, serious questions will need to be asked.
We’re sure Arteta will have his players ready for this game, even those who returned from international duty late. That should help the Gunners win the game.