Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal host Leeds United at the Emirates stadium this weekend. The Whites will be wary of the last time they were away to the Gunners.
Early last season, Daiel Farke’s side suffered a humbling defeat at the hands of Arsenal.
Arteta’s side managed to complete the double, as they also beat the Whites at Elland Road later in the season.
Leeds have been off to a great start this year, unbeaten in five league games so far. Their fixture list has seen them face some of the best in the league including Brighton and Brentford.
This Saturday might be the toughest test for the Whites this year.
Arsenal legends clash over selection dilemma ahead of Leeds United game
Tarik Muhaemovic. Credit: IMAGO
Mikel Arteta is set to be without Kai Havertz, who is a doubt to play on Saturday. A late decision could be made on the German attacker, who got injured during the international break.
This could mean a rare start for Viktor Gyokeres; a decision that former Gunner David Seaman is backing. He thinks the Sweden international should start on Saturday ahead of Mikel Merino.
“No, I think you need an out-and-out striker for me. He’s proven with Sweden that he can score goals.” Seaman said on talkSPORT.
“He got, what, 20-odd goals last season in all competitions, and that’s what you want your striker to do.
“He’s not had many opportunities this season because he’s been on the bench most of the time.
“I think it’d only be fair and right if they do give him a chance, and that’s dependent on Havertz. I’m sure he’d be all right.
“The thing is, though, when you see him play for Sweden, he scores goals. But Sweden play a different way to Arsenal, don’t they?”
Ray Parlour, who is also a former Arsenal man, feels Gyokeres playing could cause problems for the team.
He replied: “I think that’s where they’ve got to change a little bit, Dave, don’t you think?
“If you play Gyokeres, you’ve got to try and get balls into the box. You’ve got to get it into [the right] areas but they pass it around the box, don’t they?
“They don’t really get down to the byline and whip balls in.”
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Leeds can handle this Arsenal attack
The Gunners will be without some key player for the game o Saturday.
Christos Tzolis, who has been very important for Mikel Arteta’s side this season is out. Havertz may not be fit enough to play a full game, but regardless of who starts up front, the Leeds defence can handle them.
Nico Elvedi and Tarik Muharemovic have been very impressive this season, and will make their presence known during the game.
If Gyokeres does start, it kind of plays into Leeds’ hands, with him lacking fitness.
