Arsenal’s latest pre-season result has provided an unexpected confidence boost for Leeds United, who will face the Gunners in their first away match of the season.
Leeds United have had a busy transfer window so far, whether that’s signing players or losing out on them.
With the likes of Mateo Joseph attempting to force a move away from Elland Road, Leeds missing out on Ritsu Doan after Igor Paixao and continuing to push for Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, any good news is welcome.
And some inspiration ahead of facing a big Premier League team like Arsenal is always welcome.
Daniel Farke Leeds manager.
Photo by Pat Scaasi | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Arsenal loss to Villarreal is Leeds United’s gain
Villarreal’s recent form has given Leeds United a major motivational boost ahead of their first away match of the season at the Emirates.
The Spanish side handed Arsenal a 3-2 defeat, capitalising on poor defending to secure a convincing win. The Gunners’ defensive frailties were on full display as Villarreal pounced on a loose ball and a parried save to score. They even restored a two-goal cushion by exploiting an Arsenal set-piece with a quick counter-attack.
This plays directly into the strengths of Daniel Farke’s tactical approach. Players like Joel Piroe, known for his predatory finishing, would be key to pouncing on any rebounds or defensive lapses.
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The pace of new signing Lukas Nmecha could be devastating on the counter-attack, much like Arnaut Danjuma for Villarreal. The creativity and energy of midfielders such as Brenden Aaronson could also be used to unlock a potentially fragile Arsenal defence.
In stark contrast, Leeds United showed impressive resilience in their pre-season match against the same Villarreal side, battling to a 1-1 draw. After the Spanish team took the lead, Joel Piroe’s predatory finish levelled the game almost immediately, rewarding a strong performance from Farke’s side.
The draw, combined with Arsenal’s unconvincing pre-season form, places Leeds in a strong position mentally as they prepare for their trip to the Emirates.
Leeds players celebrate goal v Villarreal.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
How Leeds and Arsenal have fared in their past meetings
In recent history, the rivalry between Leeds United and Arsenal has been one-sided.
The Whites have lost every single game against the Gunners since 2021, a run that includes a painful 4-1 defeat in their last Premier League meeting.
Date Arsenal Leeds
14/02/2021 4 2
26/10/2021 2 0
18/12/2021 4 1
08/05/2022 2 1
16/10/2022 1 0
01/04/2023 4 1
Results from FotMob.
However, this is a new season and a new Leeds United under the meticulous guidance of Daniel Farke.
The German manager has instilled a new identity in the squad, and if the club can finally secure a prolific number 9 in the transfer market, their attacking threat could be transformed.
With Arsenal’s shaky pre-season form, this disciplined and tenacious Leeds side, bolstered by a fresh striker, could be primed to deliver a major shock at the Emirates.