Leeds United v Brentford - Premier League 2026/27
Daniel Farke, manager of Leeds United, acknowledges the fans during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Brentford at Elland Road in Leeds, United Kingdom, on August 30, 2026. (Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Leeds United have come in for strong praise from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ahead of our trip to the Emirates this lunchtime.
Premier League football is back. For Leeds, it’s an incredibly tough test that awaits us this midday as we face the champions on their turf.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will be looking to get back to winning ways after a damaging result prior to the break, losing 3-0 at Brighton.
“They fully deserve” – Mikel Arteta heaps praise on Leeds United ahead of Arsenal clash
Interestingly, a victory for United today would see us leapfrog the Gunners on goal difference.
Of course, that’s a hugely optimistic take on proceedings today, but highlights the strong start Leeds have made under Daniel Farke. Unbeaten in five, boasting the joint-best defence, and capable of overtaking the champions with a shock result.
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Arteta, though, is not shocked whatsoever that we find ourselves in this position. Speaking ahead of today’s game, the Spaniard was asked if he was surprised by Leeds’ start.
“When I watch their games, no,” Arteta said on Leeds, per their official site.
“I think they fully deserve where they are because they’ve earned it, and they are there because I think they merit with a lot of great things that they’ve done throughout matches to be better than the opponent. We know their qualities, we talked to [the players] in the last two days, and we are fully ready for it.”
💬 "I love so much what I do. I wake up every morning and I have this energy."
Mikel Arteta on his absolute passion and love for the game 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 9, 2026
Leeds United need nigh-on perfect performance to get result at Arsenal
It’s clear that a virtually spotless performance is required from Leeds today if we want to come away with anything.
We were terrible in both fixtures against the Gunners last season and paid the price home and away. That sort of performance won’t suffice at the Emirates.
However, Arteta’s praise for Farke and our squad is thoroughly deserved and shows that we command respect from the champions.
Let’s just hope we can justify these comments from Arteta with an organised defensive display.