Inside Leeds United plan to frustrate Arsenal and dent Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title plans
Javia Gracia, the manager of Leeds, has acknowledged that his team must exhibit a combative and efficient approach in order to emerge victorious in their upcoming Premier League match against Arsenal.
Despite securing a commendable 4-2 triumph over Wolves prior to the international hiatus, Leeds currently finds themselves in 14th position, with only two points separating them from the relegation zone.
West Ham, who occupy the final position in the bottom three, have a crucial game in hand. Earlier this season, Bukayo Saka’s goal secured a narrow victory for Arsenal over Leeds at Elland Road.
However, both teams are expected to enter Saturday’s fixture in contrasting circumstances, with Leeds having appointed Gracia as their new manager following Jesse Marsch’s departure, and Arsenal being without three influential players.
Tyler Adams, Max Wober and Wilfried Gnonto will be absent due to injuries, but Gracia can take comfort in the return of Crysencio Summerville and Rodrigo. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has revealed that William Saliba will be unavailable for the game, meaning that Arsenal is also facing injury concerns.
The Arsenal boss said: “We are trying to manage him in the best possible way. Unfortunately he’s not gonna be fit for this game and we’re trying and he’s trying to do everything to feel better and get back training. But not yet.”
Arsenal has been in excellent form at the Emirates Stadium, scoring 11 goals in their last three Premier League games. As a result, Leeds will need to be defensively strong to stop Arsenal’s attacking prowess.
During his pre-match press conference, Gracia was asked about Arsenal, and his response suggested that his game plan might not be a surprise to many.
“We are playing against the team at the top of the table and we have to be ready for that,” he said on Thursday. “They are doing many things well and you can see the stats, they always have, against Bournemouth for example, they had 80 per cent possession. In other games they always have around 70 per cent of possession.
“You have to be ready to defend more than attack and when attacking you try to be aggressive and clinical and take the chances you have. For sure you need to make very good defensive work and if you don’t do it you don’t have any chance.”
Inside Leeds United plan to frustrate Arsenal and dent Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title plans
