Pressure building, Mikel Arteta needs a win.

Morning all.

Leeds United have Kalvin Phillips back in the squad. I type that as if I know who he is but I don’t. Nor Rodrigo who could return after getting over Covid-19. Pablo Hernandez, Jamie Shackleton and Diego Llorente are all injured.

Arsenal are without Sead Kolasinac and Mohamed Elneny after their positive coronavirus tests on international duty and Thomas Partey hasn’t recovered after suffering a thigh injury against Villa.

100mph are Leeds according to Mikel Arteta so this could be interesting. Should be ideal for Arsenal if we can regain our defensive composure. Leeds have been thumped in their last two fixtures. Away at Crystal Palace 4-1, at home against Leicester City, the same, 4-1. Earlier in the season though, they held Man City to a 1-1 draw.

Leeds are clearly as unpredictable as this current Arsenal team but as was clear against Liverpool on the opening day of the season, on their day, they can score goals. However, they concede too so Arsenal really need to take advantage of a potentially leaky defence. As Leicester City proved in their match against Leeds, a high press can force errors so our front three need to put their back line and keeper under pressure.

But as said, Leeds are quick, they are busy and they don’t give up. Their front men will be all over Leno like a bad rash when we try and play out from the back.

I think this is a massive game for Arsenal. Enormous for Mikel Arteta. By his own admission, the defeat against Villa was his fault. His players didn’t turn up and perform. He wants more, much more and it’s his job to drag the best football out of those he has at his disposal. If he’s not getting enough from certain individuals then drop them. Play someone else who’ll give more for the team.

We know there’s no Partey or Elneny and I doubt Willian will even make the squad today so if Pepe starts and struggles, don’t be afraid to replace him before the clock ticks past 60 minutes. Personally, I think the way that Leeds are likely to play should see Pepe have more of an impact on the game. The same for Aubameyang if he plays wide. Lacazette or Nketiah in the middle need to start scoring goals but to do so, they need much better service. They need to create their own chances too by being in the right place for the service to come.

Will Arteta be brave and bring Willock into the mix. With his energy, pace and enthusiasm, he might just be perfect against a side like Leeds. We know he’ll give everything from start to finish. With Saka having played a lot of football over the last few weeks, probably too much for his young body, swapping him for Willock makes sense to me. No doubt Xhaka will return for this one or perhaps Arteta will fancy Luiz in midfield. A bonkers suggestion perhaps but if he remains disciplined, it could work. The back five pretty much picks itself as long as they’re all fit enough after the hefty workload of international fixtures.

Arsenal need a big performance, a solid performance topped off with a big three points. Anything else and the pressure cooker which is already simmering in certain corners of the fans world will start boiling.

Mikel Arteta has done a lot of talking, he simply has to start delivering. His team has to play quicker, be more creative and more clinical. Leeds will attack us hard and fast if we let them so don’t let them. Our players have to be busier than theirs, more determined too. Mikel Arteta has said this week that he’s followed the Leeds manager’s career for a long time so there are no excuses, he knows what to expect.

Premier League football is back. We need The Arsenal back too.

See you in the comments.