Leeds United entered the international break on a positive note with a draw at home. Up next for them is a game against Arsenal in the next three weeks.
Sunday was not the best game for the Whites, as they looked less like the team that beat Newcastle 4-1.
They fluffed their lines so many times against Crystal Palace. There was a brief scare when Tyrick Mitchell scored early in the second half, but the goal was chalked off by VAR.
Daniel Farke’s side had more possession and more shots in the game, but could not make it count.
Going into the international break unbeaten in the league is a good thing for the Whites.
Arsenal star escapes suspension ahead of Leeds United clash
Mikel Arteta and Daniel Farke. Credit: IMAGO
When the league resumes in three weeks, Leeds United have the daunting task of facing Premier League holders Arsenal.
Last season, Farke’s side were humiliated at the Emirates in just their second game of the season. Mikel Arteta’s side completed the double over Leeds that season, with a thumping 4-0 win at Elland Road.
However, the Gunners went into the international break on a bad note. The London club were beaten 3-0 by Brighton in a shock result on Saturday.
Arsenal were very fortunate to not have a man sent off in the game after Declan Rice kicked out at Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouye. The England star only received a yellow card, with many suggesting he should have been sent off.
🗣️ “That’s not an act of violence.”
Dermot Gallagher discusses Declan Rice’s off-ball incident against Brighton after he was booked for kicking out at Malick Yalcouyé. pic.twitter.com/5GlPSTCUhQ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 21, 2026
Dermot Gallagher has said that Rice’s incident was not a red card as it was “not an act of violence”. It was a deliberate foul from the Arsenal man off the ball, but the threshold only merited a yellow card.
Which means he will be available when Leeds travel to the Emirates Stadium next month.
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Rice got away with one
Even though Leeds do not need Arsenal missing a key player to get a result, Declan Rice should have been punished for that foul. It was off the ball and dangerous, another referee could have made the on-field decision a red card.
Leeds will be up against a full-strength Arsenal side desperate to bounce back after the defeat to Brighton.
Farke’s side will definitely fare better this season than last year.
Fans will be hoping their team can take their chances and punish Arsenal when they go away to the Emirates.
