PREVIEW: Arsenal return to action as they host Leeds

The Gunners return to action at the Emirates Stadium against Leeds United, who trail the defending champions by just three points.

Before the international break, Arsenal were stunned by Brighton & Hove Albion as they lost 3-0 at the Amex Stadium, recording their first loss of the season. On the contrary, Daniel Farke has Leeds in fifth as it stands, being held to a goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace, and are impressively unbeaten in the league.

Their biggest result so far was against Newcastle, where they were relentless from minute one, as they won 4-1 last month in a Monday night kick-off at Elland Road.

On Leeds’ league position, Daniel Farke said: “It’s not a coincidence that in the last 10-11 months we are the fifth best team in the Premier League in terms of points. We haven’t won the lottery to be in fifth; it’s not a coincidence that we are unbeaten after a very impressive start to the Premier League.”

Bosnia-Herzegovina international Tarik Muharemović was signed by the Whites in the summer for £34 million and has been a revelation in defence for the side, as they’ve conceded three goals in the league this season, which is the joint-lowest with Everton.

After the Premier League triumph last season, Mikel Arteta put pen to paper during the break, extending his stay in North London until June 2030 while making him the highest-paid manager in the league.

On the new contract, Arteta said: “My family are very grateful to be able to enjoy this unbelievable right to continue. I said from the beginning that the club and I wanted the same thing, but I loved the way it was handled.

“The most important thing is at the end, when you’re about to sign, looking around the room and seeing excitement in their eyes. That’s it, now I have to earn the right every single day to continue at this level”

The Arsenal boss will look to get back to winning ways, having not lost at the Emirates Stadium this season, paired with a feel-good factor of the new contract which the home crowd can benefit from.

In a tough test for Leeds, they’ll be without pacey forward Daniel James and Joe Rodon at the back, as Harry Wilson remains a doubt for the lunchtime kick-off.

While Kai Havertz, Chritos Tzolis and Ezri Konsa picked up injuries on international duty, the German forward and English centre-back will face a late fitness test alongside Declan Rice as the Greek international will be out of the clash. William Saliba remains out long-term, but Ben White, Cristian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are all expected to be available.

The match will kick off on Saturday, October 10th at 12:30pm and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.