David Moyes pinpoints crucial Arsenal ‘advantage’ ahead of Leeds United clash as Mikel Arteta provides latest Arsenal injury update
Arsenal, according to David Moyes, are profiting from the absence of European action this season as they go for third place in the Premier League.
Moyes saw his West Ham team lose 2-1 to their London rivals on Sunday as they juggled the responsibilities of attempting to reach the Europa League final with an overstretched squad.
It mathematically terminated West Ham’s pursuit of fourth place, and Moyes feels Arsenal’s domestic recovery following a poor 2020-21 season is partially due to their reduced workload.
On Sunday, Arsenal will host Leeds United before traveling to Newcastle United on Monday, May 16.
“My goodness, it’s made a difference for them from day one,” Moyes said.
“Arsenal’s improvement this year has been incredible because probably not being involved in Europe has given them the chance to prepare correctly for games.
“They had a bit of a slow start to the season, but they’ve been in terrific form all season. It’s just as well when you have a young team and are trying to get a good enough squad together. Last season Arsenal got to the semi-finals of the Europa League and it became quite a difficult season for them because of that. We’re in it this year so we’re a bit the same.”
Mikel Arteta provides latest Arsenal injury update ahead of Leeds United clash
Mikel Arteta believes Takehiro Tomiyasu will be fit for Arsenal’s home match against Leeds United on Sunday after suffering a knock against West Ham United.
The Japan international made his comeback from a calf injury against the Hammers at the London Stadium, but he was forced to leave in the 78th minute of the 2-1 triumph.
Since suffering an injury at the end of January, the 23-year-old, who joined Arsenal from Bologna last summer, had been a constant presence in the first team.
Arteta, on the other hand, attempted to play down concerns about the full-fitness back’s after he was forced to leave the game against West Ham on Sunday.
The Arsenal manager also provided updates on Bukayo Saka, who came off late in the game, and defender Ben White, who missed the game entirely due to injury on Sunday.
Speaking at his post-match news conference, Arteta said:
“Ben got injured against Manchester United, he felt a muscular problem and we checked him, and we will have to access him in the next few days to see how he is.
“Bukayo was fine, he was really fatigued and he has been through a little injury as well.
“Tomiyasu is just that he had been out for so long and could not continue.”
Asked if he was concerned by Tomiyasu’s injury, Arteta replied: “No, hopefully, he’s fine.”
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David Moyes pinpoints crucial Arsenal ‘advantage’ ahead of Leeds United clash as Mikel Arteta provides latest Arsenal injury update
