The odds are stacked firmly against Leeds United as they look to pull off an upset against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Leeds United have not won a game against Arsenal since 2003, and pundit Gary Lineker does not believe this will change in the game this weekend.
Daniel Farke could hand Dominic Calvert-Lewin a debut at the Emirates as he looks to defy Arsenal’s strong track record against the Whites. He also faces a decision on whether to hand Noah Okafor a place in the squad after completing his move from AC Milan.
However, Leeds will have to overcome the absence of Ethan Ampadu, after the Leeds captain suffered an injury in their season opener against Everton. Leeds will also have to overcome Arsenal’s impressive home record against newly-promoted sides to claim an unexpected win.
Rasmus Kristensen leads the protests during Arsenal FC v Leeds United - Premier League
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If Leeds can pull off an unexpected win at the Emirates, they will end Arsenal’s 15-year undefeated streak against newly-promoted sides at home.
Arsenal’s last defeat at home against a newly-promoted team came in November 2010, when Andy Carroll scored to hand Newcastle United a 1-0 win.
Arsenal’s home record against newly-promoted teams:
Last defeat: Arsenal 0-1 Newcastle – November 2010
Games unbeaten: 42
Won: 37
Drawn: 5
Since then, according to the Arsenal website, the Gunners have gone unbeaten in 42 home games against newly-promoted sides, registering 37 wins and five draws. If the parameters are extended to include away teams, Arsenal have won 22 of their last 23 league games against newly-promoted sides.
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If Arsenal can avoid defeat against Leeds, they will equal the longest unbeaten run at home against newly-promoted sides, matching Chelsea’s run of 43 unbeaten games between November 2001 and November 2015.
Lukas Nmecha celebrates scoring Leeds' winner against Everton.
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Leeds are protecting their own unbeaten run
Despite Leeds’ poor track record against Arsenal, and the Gunners’ strong record against recently promoted sides, Farke’s side are protecting a long unbeaten run of their own.
Leeds’ win against Everton saw the Whites extend their own undefeated run to 11 games, with their last defeat coming against Portsmouth in March 2025.
The defeat against Portsmouth ended Leeds’ 17-game unbeaten run, the longest unbeaten run since Leeds won the top-flight title in the 1991/92 season.
Although Leeds face an uphill struggle at the Emirates, this should give Leeds fans some hope heading into their second game of the season.