Leeds United are back in Premier League action this weekend after the international break. They could not have gotten a more difficult fixture lined up.
The Whites are up against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side who will be desperate to get a result. They entered the international break with a shocking 3-0 defeat to Brighton.
And they now sit behind Manchester City who have set the pace early in the title race.
Leeds on the other hand are in fifth place in the League after a very promising start to the season. Wins against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United have shown how good Daniel Farke’s side can be.
But this Saturday will be a whole new test for the club.
Premier League confirm referee for Arsenal vs Leeds United clash
Paul Tierney. Credit: IMAGO
The Premier League have announced that Paul Tierney will be the main official when the two sides meet at the Emirates Stadium.
Leeds United will not be pleased with this refereeing appointment, seeing how Tierney has been in the middle of some pretty controversial moments in recent months.
He was the VAR referee that failed to review a penalty against Sunderland when Luke O’Nien fouled Pascal Struijk in the box in their 1-0 loss at Elland Road in March.
The Premier League Key Match Incidents panel ruled that the penalty should have been given and that VAR should have intervened. Tierney faced no sanctions after that error.
There is some positives for Leeds fans, as the last time Paul Tierney was in charge of a game for them, they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Whites have won 10 and lost 12 of their last 25 games where Tierney officiated.
READ MORE: Arsenal injury blow could force Daniel Farke into bold Leeds call
Arsenal’s double last season will be a warning
Leeds have done well with their start to this campaign, but their fixture list gets very difficult when they return. Their first game is against Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta’s side are very much one of the best teams in the league.
The defeat to Brighton was unfortunate but the Gunners can destroy any team on their best day.
Last season, Mikel Arteta’s side did the double over Daniel Farke and his men. Two crushing defeats with the Whites conceding nine goals without scoring once.
They must be on their guard on Saturday, and hope to get a result to continue this impressive start to the season.
