I wouldn’t call this a crossroads as such however, this game does feel like it could be the start of a new dawn for Arsenal, from an attacking perspective at least and hopefully in terms of releasing the shackles a bit as well. Arsenal have been put in a few rigid and nervous looking performances in the league of late and it has led to the Gunners going three games without a win in the Premier League, so something clearly has to change.
There were positive signs against Kairat Almaty in the week, but it’s hard to draw any serious conclusions given the quality of opposition on the night.
This is a game that I would have highlighted as a really tough away fixture before our recent struggles, so the lead up to this game has made it all the more worrying. That’s part of the problem though, isn’t it? The worrying Arsenal fans. If you read some reports in the media, it’s our nervousness that has fed into this cycle of fear and nervy performances and although I think too much has been made of that, I do think there is some truth to it. I’m therefore going to try and do my bit and do what everyone has been saying that Arsenal fans should doing right now and enjoy the position we are in and not look over our shoulders too much.
Leeds have been in great form of late and will a real handful, especially with the Elland Road roar behind them, so Arsenal will need to bring their ‘A’ game to take maximum points from this one.
I truly believe that Arsenal will get their act together and do just that so here’s to hoping that my faith is not misplaced.
Areas of encouragement
At times this week it has felt like there wasn’t an areas of encouragement, but when you take a step back, you realise how that just isn’t the case at all! There is still so much to be positive about and so much to be encouraged by. The fully fit squad (yes, that’s right, the fully fit squad!!!) is a huge positive, especially the return of Kai Havertz, who has been sorely missed. Viktor Gyokeres has also looked a lot better in these past few matches, so hopefully this is the start of a purple patch for our star striker. The linkup between Gyokeres and Havertz on Wednesday was also very impressive, especially as that’s the first minutes that they have played together.
Areas of concern
This is a pretty straightforward one, as there’s always a concern that our recent spell without taking all three points will bleed into this one and cause further problems, so that’s a real concern, even if I believe that this team will come out fighting this afternoon.
Leeds’ home form (and form in general, to be fair) is another area of concern, as the promoted side are starting to pull away from the relegation scrap right now and must be only a few wins away from really cemented their place in the league for next season.
What I’d love to see
The three points are always the biggest thing but this game over most other games this season feels like one where the performance is absolutely vital. We need to put on an attacking show of sorts, with a bit of strategic risk taking in the final third. I’d love to see Arsenal really turn on the style and play the sort of football we saw in the home games against Tottenham and Villa. This team is more than capable; they just need reminding of that this afternoon. I’d also love to see us stand-up to Leeds’ obvious set piece and long throw-in tactics. I’ve watched so many Arsenal teams get bullied by these sorts of tactics down the years so I’m hoping this Arsenal team is one that really can stand firm.
What I’d hate to see
The exact opposite of all of the above. I’d hate to see us put in another slow passing, poor tempo performance and to shrink under the noise and directness that the Leeds team bring to their opponents so well at home.
Lineup and Team News
This is quite an interesting one as this is the first time this season that everyone has been fully fit. Mikel Arteta completely shuffled his pack against Kairat in the week so the question is, did anyone do enough to play themselves into the team today? For me, I think two players will have done so.
Jurrien Timber and William Saliba have both been passed fit and should come straight back into the team, alongside regular starters Gabriel and David Raya. This just leaves the left back slot and I think long time Mikel Arteta favourite Riccardo Calafiori will come back into the team.
In midfield, Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice will almost certainly return to the starting eleven leaving the left 8/10 position to be filled. Normally this would be a toss up between Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze however, Kai Havertz performance in midweek outshone the pair of them and I think he’ll actually start this one. The way he linked the play and his all round play, I just don’t see how you can’t fit him in somewhere.
Bukayo Saka is always a shoe-in so the right wing position is his, especially given the erratic form of Noni Madueke. On the left, Leandro Trossard’s form has dropped significantly and given the game state, I think Gabriel Martinelli’s pace and running power will see him start ahead of the Belgian. Hopefully this starts the ‘Trossard-cycle’ all over again and he then comes back into form!
With Kai Havertz in midfield and Gabriel Jesus flattering to deceive from the bench against Kairat, Viktor Gyokeres should be given another chance up front. He was wasteful against Kairat but his all round play and movement was actually pretty good and hoping the presence of Kai Havertz will bring out the best in the Swede.
Predicted lineup:
Raya
Timber
Saliba
Gabriel
Calafiori
Zubimendi
Rice
Havertz
Saka
Gyokeres
Martinelli
Substitutes:
Arrizabalaga
White
Hincapie
Merino
Odegaard
Eze
Trossard
Madueke
Jesus
PREDICTION
Tough, tough game. Performance is massive, result even more important. Arsenal need three points and I back them to get them here, even if it might not all be plain sailing. 2-0 to The Arsenal.