Mikel Arteta has named the thing which has impressed him the most about Leeds United this season, as Arsenal prepare to host the newly-promoted team at the Emirates.
Leeds United have not beaten the Gunners since 2023, and Arsenal have not lost a home game against a newly-promoted side since 2010, meaning the record books point to a Leeds defeat.
However, with two important Arsenal players set to miss the match and Daniel Farke considering unleashing new signings Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Leeds could still pull off an upset in their second match back in the Premier League.
Leeds pulled off a home win over Everton in their first game of the season, thanks to a late penalty from Lukas Nmecha. Now, the Arsenal manager has admitted that he was impressed with what he saw in their top-flight return.
Mikel Arteta during Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League
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Mikel Arteta is impressed by Leeds United
Speaking in his weekly press conference ahead of Arsenal’s game against the Whites, Arteta praised Daniel Farke and his team.
According to Arteta, the manner of Leeds’ promotion from the Championship caught his eye. He said: “I’ve been very impressed, and watching them, what they’ve done in pre-season, what they did on Monday, what they did last year, for sure, in the manner that they did it as well.
“Big compliments to the way they played, to the coach, and I’m sure they’re going to make it a really difficult match against us tomorrow.”
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He added: “[It’s an] incredible club, incredible history as well. I’ve been here long enough to understand the history of that football club.
“As I said, very special, one big city with just one club, so passionate about what they’ve done. You know what happens when you go there and play. So, yeah, great to have them back. I wish them all the best apart from tomorrow, obviously.”
Daniel Farke leeds United manager.
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Arteta has a near-perfect record against Leeds
Leeds were something of a bogey side for Arsenal at the turn of the millennium, as they recorded several wins against Arsene Wenger’s side, including a famous away win which was inspired by an Ian Harte free-kick.
However, Leeds’ last win against the Gunners came in 2003 and Arteta has a near-perfect track record against the Whites.
Arteta has led Arsenal in eight games against Leeds as manager, winning seven with just one draw.
Mikel Arteta vs Leeds as manager:
Played: 8
Won: 7
Drawn: 1
Lost: 0
However, in a slight crumb of comfort for Leeds, their only draw came in their first game against Arsenal following their promotion in 2020, as they held Arteta’s side to a 0-0 draw at Elland Road.