The international break is finally edging towards its conclusion, and there is plenty for us Arsenal supporters to keep an eye on this Sunday morning.
For all the frustration surrounding the 3-0 defeat at Brighton last time out, the bigger picture remains a positive one. Arsenal had won seven consecutive matches in all competitions before that result, and attention is now firmly turning towards the visit of Leeds United to the Emirates on October 10.
Bukayo Saka was one of the weekend’s standout Arsenal stories after producing a rather unusual milestone for England.
The winger scored twice against Croatia with his right foot, the first time he has managed that at senior level. It is another reminder of how much his game has developed beyond the familiar image of the left-footed winger cutting inside from the right.
For Arsenal, getting Saka back from international duty fit and firing will be crucial. The Leeds game offers an opportunity to put the Brighton disappointment behind them, and there is little doubt that Mikel Arteta will want his most important attacking players ready to go.
The less welcome international-break news concerns Christos Tzolis.
The summer signing was forced off after just 18 minutes of Greece’s draw with the Netherlands, with reports subsequently suggesting that the Arsenal winger could face a spell on the sidelines.
That would be frustrating timing for both player and club. Tzolis had featured in all eight of Arsenal’s matches this season and had already registered four assists, establishing himself as Arteta’s preferred option on the left.
There was some encouragement, however, with Greece boss Ivan Jovanovic previously playing down fears of a serious injury after revealing Tzolis had actually been reluctant to leave the pitch.
While Tzolis endured an unwanted setback, Viktor Gyökeres continues to look increasingly dangerous for Sweden.
The Arsenal striker scored again during the international break and has now made Nations League history, helping Sweden remain top of their group.
That is exactly the sort of form Arsenal supporters will want to see carried back to north London.
Naturally, no Arsenal morning roundup in 2026 would be complete without a ridiculous transfer rumour.
Reports today have once again linked Arsenal with Erling Haaland, following Manchester City’s financial-rule problems. For now, this remains firmly in the speculative category rather than something supporters should be treating as a developing deal.
The more immediate concern is Leeds.
Three weeks after Brighton exposed some uncomfortable weaknesses, Arsenal have plenty of time to reset. The international break may have brought a few headaches, but with Saka flying, Gyökeres scoring and the squad beginning to return, there is reason to believe the response could be a strong one.
DJ
