Arsenal return to the Emirates on 23 August hunting a seventh straight win over Leeds and, more importantly, evidence that this season ends differently.
Three title races, three near misses; the mandate is simple: turn control into closure.
Mikel Arteta’s rebuild sharpened again this summer. Martín Zubimendi brings tempo, Christian Nørgaard adds bite, and Viktor Gyökeres supplies the penalty-box certainty they lacked.
Noni Madueke’s directness offers a left-side jolt if Gabriel Martinelli’s form stalls. Bukayo Saka and Gyökeres look locked to start; Leandro Trossard’s absence trims options but not ambition.
History tilts red. Arsenal are unbeaten in 14 against Leeds, winning 12, including six in a row. Yet last season’s 14 draws — nine from winning positions — still echo.
Ruthlessness, not structure, is the upgrade. Press, pin, finish early; keep the ball when the game begs for chaos.
Leeds arrive with champion energy after a 100-point promotion, but questions travel poorly. Daniel Farke’s side terrorised the Championship at Elland Road; away, the Premier League asks for different muscle.
Fitness clouds Jayden Bogle and Sebastiaan Bornauw; Jaka Bijol should return after suspension. With Lukas Nmecha the only new striker and departures expected, cutting Arsenal’s rest-defence will demand perfect pacing.
Tactical hinge: Arsenal’s right flank. Saka and Ødegaard versus Leeds’ left-back channel decides territory; second balls around Zubimendi and Declan Rice decide pressure. Set plays matter.
Prediction: Emirates noise, method over romance. Arsenal 3–1 Leeds on opening night.