Arsenal fans left stunned as Mikel Arteta names surprise start in starting XI vs Leeds United (Image source: Getty, X)
Arsenal fans left stunned as Mikel Arteta names surprise start in starting XI vs Leeds United (Image source: Getty, X)
Arsenal fans have been left surprised after Kai Havertz was named in the starting lineup for their Premier League clash against Leeds United.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta made three changes to the team that started their last outing – a 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Ben White returns to the defense, with Jurrien Timber joining the substitutes. Noni Madueke replaces Christos Tzolis, who is currently on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during Greece’s Nations League campaign.
Myles Lewis-Skelly completes the changes, replacing Bruno Guimaraes in the middle of the park.
Although Havertz started against Brighton, the forward was initially a doubt for today’s match after being forced off during Germany’s Nations League encounter with the Netherlands.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed only that Havertz had sustained a muscular injury and did not say whether the German would feature against Leeds. The player’s inclusion in the starting lineup came as a surprise to fans.
One wrote:
“How on earth does Havertz start?”
Another tweeted:
“And then Havertz? I thought he was injured.”
A third remarked:
“Havertz Howwwwww?????”
“How is Gyokeres not starting 😭😭😭? Havertz is just coming back from injury now,” said another.
“How is Havertz fit again?” another echoed the same sentiment.
“He actually rushed Havertz and Konsa back,” another claimed.
Ahead of the clash, Arsenal are second in the Premier League table, while Leeds United are one of five teams still unbeaten in the league.
Arsenal “fully ready” to face Leeds – Arteta
Leeds enter the clash with Arsenal on the back of a goalless draw with Crystal Palace.
The Elland Road outfit have lost only one of their last 14 league games, presenting a tricky challenge for Arteta’s side.
Asked if he is surprised by Leeds’ start to the season, Arteta said:
“When I watch their games, no. I think they fully deserve where they are because they've earned it, and they are there because I think they merit with a lot of great things that they've done throughout matches to be better than the opponent. We know their qualities, we talked to [the players] in the last two days, and we are fully ready for it.”
Leeds boss Daniel Farke, meanwhile, conceded that the Gunners are favourites in the upcoming clash, saying:
“I think again we are not the favourite in this game, no question, but to be very honest, Arsenal last season was more or less the only team where we had no chance to win one of the games; we were not even close to it. It's a good chance to see if we have edged a bit closer and are also competitive in such a game.”