Morning all.
The big news released yesterday by Arsenal was that Max Dowman has a pre-contract agreement with the club. Even at 15 years old I still think he’s better than Madueke but of course he’s still growing. Such a shame he’s been out injured as I’m sure he would have played on Tuesday otherwise.
Mikel Arteta on Max:
It’s a proud moment to see him yesterday signing that deal in front of his family and his loved ones. Big credit to everybody that’s been involved in that journey with him, to bring him all the way to the first team and especially the manner that they’ve done it. Now we have an amazing talent that, day-by-day, I think we need to shape because there’s so much there.
Anyway, I’m sure I’m not the only Arsenal fan thrilled with this news.
The Champions League last-16 fixtures take place in March. The first leg away from home on 10-11th, before we host our opponents at Emirates Stadium on 17-18 March. One of Dortmund v Atalanta or Olympiakos v Bayer Leverkusen will be our next opponent.
So, a bit of a break from European football the players but that doesn’t mean the fixtures don’t keep coming because they do. Saying that, we only have five fixtures to negotiate next month including a League Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Tuesday night.
Today we face an in form Leeds Utd at Elland Road. Leeds have enjoyed a pretty good January far. The month started with a draw at Anfield, followed by a draw against Man Utd, a narrow defeat against Newcastle before beating Fulham. Last Monday, they drew at Everton.
Mike Arteta on if there are any fresh injury worries after Wednesday night:
No, we didn’t have any surprises there, and hopefully everybody will train well today and be available for tomorrow.
On Timber and Saliba:
They are OK. Obviously they have been playing a lot of minutes, they’ve been carrying a few niggles and it was a really good opportunity for us to offload them a little bit and refresh them.
In addition to the above two players being available, Havertz is too which is more positive news. I dreaded him suffering a setback after playing on Tuesday. If he doesn’t play tomorrow as Arteta plays it safe with him, maybe he’ll be ready to face his old club on Tuesday.
Arteta also talked about how he hopes the Premier League will change their stance on squad numbers, in particular, outfield players. The Champions League permits 20 outfield players in a squad whereas in the Premier League is 18. It makes so much sense to increase the numbers after all, every club has a squad greater than 18.
Anyway, back to today’s game and what we can expect from Leeds this afternoon:
Since making the switch from 4-3-3 to 3-5-2 at half-time away to Manchester City in late November, Leeds have shown remarkable improvement. The back three, with defensive players used as wing-backs, provides a solid base, and their organisation since the reshuffle has been excellent.
Leeds are a tall, strong, and aggressive side who like to use their physicality to disrupt opponents’ flow. Farke’s men rank fourth for duels won, interceptions and tackles, and just five top-flight sides regain possession more often inside the final third.
Leeds have netted 12 times from corners or free-kicks, which is second only to us. This is due to Anton Stach consistently providing great deliveries. He is their Declan Rice figure, creating 20 chances from set plays in 2025/26; a tally which is second only to Bruno Fernandes.
Their star man is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has scored nine goals already. He is brilliant in the air, so we must work hard to stop crosses coming into the box, while any long balls aimed in the frontman’s direction will need to be defended properly as his ability to flick the ball on, or to knock it down for supporting runners, is a big asset.
Having read the above, it sounds like we’re about to get kicked to pieces, beaten by Calvert-Lewin on set-pieces, if not him, another player and a long ball which catch us out if we’re not smart. Might as well give up already. I jest of course but it shows we’ll need to be at our best this afternoon.
We have to put the dismal performances against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Man Utd behind us and get back to playing well. Not giving the officials a decision to make is always important but it’s especially important today because Stuart Attwell is the referee. No regularly appointed official averages more cards per game than Attwell’s 4.8. It gets worse too because Jarred Gillett is operating VAR with Steve Meredith as his assistant.
Having had the luxury of resting many players for our midweek game, Mikel Arteta is likely to bring the big guns back this afternoon. I hope they bring a big performance with them. With City and Villa not playing until tomorrow, let’s put a bit of pressure on them.
Catch up in the comments.
Afternoon Rico and all. I must admit I am not feeling too confident in winning tonight, we will need to be fully turned on with Leeds slowly improving and a card happy ref and VAR I can see them looking out for our players holding the Leeds players jumpers so they can award them a penalty.
Yep it’s gonna be a tough old game this afternoon. The home crowd will be up for it as will the cloggers in the Leeds midfielder and defence.
Not sure what the best tactic will be, a fast start and an early goal, or a possession based style to wear down both players and crowd.
Either way we need to cut out the silly defensive errors that have plagued us recently.
Fine pre-match Rico, thank you.
Morning Geoff, Cicero
Lot of chatter about DCL, hope our centre backs have a better game, midfield too.
Morning all,
I’d expect lots of changes from Wednesday,maybe 10/11 I’d start Gyokeres again,his physical style should suit. To be honest I never want see Jesus start in the league,he should come on as sub,he’s been more effective in Europe. I’m sure we will see Havertz at some stage.
We’re in the unusual position where most of our players should be more rested than Leeds.
Today is a bit like trying to defend a Declan Rice corner,everyone knows what’s coming,doesn’t make it any easier to deal with.
COYG
Dirty Leeds, that was the mantra back in the day, seems that they’ve reverted to type.
Morning Gooners, morning Rico, great news regarding Dowman.
I can’t say that I’ve seen a lot of Leeds games on TV, not since we beat them earlier in the season.
Gyokeres had a good match that day so hopefully he can use the positive memories from that game to have another good match?
If Leeds are as physical as everyone is suggesting then I wouldn’t play Odegaard as he’d get muscled out of it quite easily. So it’s between Merino and Eze? I’d also use Havertz off of the bench because this sounds like a rumble in the jungle.
Totally agree re Jesus, although I’ve a feeling we might see him start today then bring Havertz and Gokyeres on second half. Hope I’m wrong though..
Morning Kev, they still are dirty Leeds aren’t they? 😂
I’d quite like to see Zubimendi and Norgaard start. Give us a bit more strength in midfield.
They have always been a problem under Revie they kicked anything that moved and targeted any player they saw as dangerous . I remember George Eastham being put out of football for about 8 weeks after Bremner knocked him over and Bobby Collins stamped on his ankle as their supporters threw stones and darts at Bob Wilson.
It was always a game where you didn’t stand in the middle of the North Bank , the sides were safer.
afterrnoon all!
Hope to win and have enought time for watch the game!
Good afternoon Rico and all
A very huge call from Arteta today……Havertz begins behind Gyokeres and Odegaard is on the bench.
Team…Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabi, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres.
Off to read the post.
Arsenal subs: Kepa, White, Calafiori, Mosquera, Ødegaard, Eze, Madueke, Martinelli, Jesus.
Arteta is obviously taking the game seriously, a strong starting line-up and no youngsters on the bench
Just realised no Saka, not even on the bench.
Saka out injured in the warm up !!!!!
Norgaard takes Saka’s place in squad.
Saka injured in the warm up.
Madueke, first premier goal or assist please!
Saints vs Tigers about to kick off.
Back later.
Big Gabi captain😆
Afternoon Devil, guys.
Hip injury for Saka apparently
0-1..
Thanks Madueke, that’s the assist, next the goal please.
0-2 Madueke straight in from a corner.
Your prayers have been answered Andrew 😜
And the goal thanks, or has it gone as an og, who cares! Great cross apparently Madueke
Thanks rico, not usual I call it, maybe I better do lottery for first time in 10 years😂
Definitely Andrew and email me your numbers please 😜