Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has vowed his side will remain true to their attacking principles when they travel to the Emirates on Saturday evening to face title-chasing Arsenal.
The Whites head into the clash buoyed by their opening-day win over Everton but must now contend with one of the league’s toughest opponents.
Arsenal have comfortably had the better of Leeds in recent meetings, with the Whites failing to beat Arsenal since 2003, and have never beaten the North London side at the Emirates.
Arsenal strolled to a 4-1 win last time both sides met at the Emirates.
Here's everything he had to say, ahead of what will certainly be an interesting clash between two contrasting sides.
Farke on Arsenal and staying true to Leeds’ identity
Farke made clear that Leeds will not compromise their footballing identity, even against a side of Arsenal’s calibre. The Gunners have added Viktor Gyokeres to their frontline, and may even have Eberechi Eze registered to play in time.
“We won’t sell our DNA in the Premier League this season and park the bus,” he said. “If you just try to defend for 96 minutes or whatever you have no chance to survive there.”
Instead, the German stressed the importance of controlling spells with the ball to relieve pressure and unsettle the hosts. “You have to make sure you have as many periods as possible where you also control the ball and can recover with possession, and let them shift and waste some energy against the ball.”
The German acknowledged the difficulty of the task, particularly in Arsenal’s first home game of the season, but emphasised the need to stay positive, both mentally and tactically.
Leeds fans will expect to see their side on the backfoot throughout the game, with moments to produce a counter-punch.
“It’s important to try to create chances, to scare them and try to play positive football, but there will be periods where we suffer and we have to be well structured and compact,” he admitted.
“They have the highest ambitions, the highest demands. They want to play for every title, they’re one of the strongest opponents you can meet,” he said. “You would wish to have this fixture on a different date, but sometimes you can’t choose and it’s our toughest test so far.”
Praise for Struijk but Ampadu "big miss"
Leeds will be without captain Ethan Ampadu after the midfielder sustained knee ligament damage in the opening-day victory. Farke confirmed: “Ethan is a big miss. It’s an MCL (medial cruciate ligament) injury. He will be out at least until the international break.”
The former Norwich boss admitted the absence is significant but insisted there are alternatives. His side will be without the former Chelsea man who possesses an abundance of Premier League experience.
“Normally, he’s back pretty quickly after injuries. There’s no doubt about this. We don’t have to lie and sugarcoat the situation. But we have players in our squad who interpret the role slightly differently and we will find the solutions.”
Attention now turns to who will wear the armband, with Pascal Struijk again singled out as a natural leader. “He was outstanding, a top performance,” said Farke of Struijk’s display against Everton.
“Really like a colossus in the defence, he won many, many headers, but also Pascal is very good on the ball, good in the build-up, which is important and aggressive also in defending forward, good leadership.”
The Dutch defender, who captained the side at times last season, has been backed by Farke to take responsibility once more.
“He was in the last season an outstanding player for us, he has proven his worth, and of course, he is also a big leader in the dressing room.”
"Player of high potential" - Farke excited to unleash Okafor
Leeds’ preparations for the trip to north London have certainly been boosted by the arrival of Swiss international Noah Okafor from AC Milan.
The £18m signing is in contention to make his debut on Saturday evening.
Farke is excited by the qualities the forward brings to his squad. Okafor is a player who offers pace, versatility and willingness to harass opposition backlines from the front.
“He’s played for two big clubs in Italy (AC Milan and Napoli) and for RB Salzburg at Champions League level,” the manager said. “He is a player of high potential who has more or less all the skills."
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin also in the door earlier this summer, Farke believes the pressure in attack is finally beginning to ease. The German hasn't been afraid in demanding more additions publically.
“The big pressure is away in attack,” he noted, while also stressing “there is always more room for quality.”
The focus, however, remains firmly on Arsenal. And as Farke stated once more: “We won’t sell our DNA in the Premier League this season and park the bus.
"If you just try to defend for 96 minutes or whatever, you have no chance to survive there.”