Arteta last faced Farke when he was with Norwich Cityplaceholder image
Arteta last faced Farke when he was with Norwich City | POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has issued his verdict on Leeds United ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Arteta will want to see a much stronger performance from his men against Leeds, with this game being their first in front of their home fans this season.
Leeds got off to a strong start to their first season back in the Premier League, defeating an Everton side who came into this season with plenty of optimism after a strong finish to last season.
Arteta was asked about Leeds ahead of their visit to the Emirates Stadium. He said: “Very impressed. I've been watching them, what they did in pre-season, what they did on Monday, what they did last year, in the manner that they did it. Big compliments to the way they play, to the coach. I'm sure they're going to put a really difficult match against us tomorrow.”
Asked about Leeds as a club, he added: “An incredible club, incredible history as well. I’ve been here long enough to understand the history of that club. As I said, very special, one big city with just one club. So passionate, and you know what happens when you go there and play. It's great to have them back, wish them all the best, apart from tomorrow.”
Arsenal will be strong favourites on Saturday, although they will be without Kai Havertz, who picked up a knee injury in training this week. Arteta said of that injury: “I prefer not to talk about the specifics, but he’s not fit, as I said. We need to explore that issue a little bit further and decide what we’re going to do.
“The worst scenario is that he cannot play tomorrow, I would love to have him fresh and available, bringing what he brings to the team but unfortunately, that is not going to be possible.”
Farke’s Arsenal plan
Speaking in his own press conference, Leeds boss Farke spoke about his commitment to the current playing style in spite of who the opponents are. He said: “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.
"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. 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.
“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. 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.”
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