This Saturday marks a pivotal moment: our first home game of the 2025/26 Premier League season. The Gunners host newly promoted Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30 BST.

Arsenal begin the campaign with quiet momentum after grinding out a gritty 1-0 win at Old Trafford on opening day, courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori’s header. It wasn’t vintage football, but it was a statement of resilience. Leeds arrive with confidence of their own after scraping a 1-0 victory over Everton, thanks to a clutch Lukas Nmecha penalty. Both sides will feel they’ve started on the right foot, but this fixture is the real test of mettle.

Recent Form: Edge in Experience and Consistency

Arsenal’s opening display was far from smooth, but it proved we can win ugly—an essential trait for any title challenger. Defensive solidity and patience got us through at Old Trafford, and now the task is to show more fluency in front of our home fans.

Leeds, meanwhile, are back in the big time and already look more tactically disciplined than many expected. They’re compact, resilient, and ready to frustrate better teams. Their win over Everton highlighted a steely edge, but the Emirates is a very different challenge.

Head-to-Head History: Arsenal’s Upper Hand

Arsenal have enjoyed a long period of dominance over Leeds. We haven’t lost to them in more than a decade, stringing together a 14-game unbeaten run across all competitions. The last time they came to north London in the Premier League, Arsenal ran out comfortable winners. This fixture has generally leaned our way, and history suggests we should feel confident.

But football isn’t played on history alone. Leeds will be motivated to end that barren run, and promoted clubs often find extra fire early in the season when momentum is fresh.

Predictions and Expectations

Most pundits back Arsenal to win with relative comfort, predicting scorelines like 2-0 or 3-0. The logic is simple: home advantage, superior squad depth, and a proven ability to dispatch newly promoted teams. But others urge caution, suggesting it might be tight – something like 1-0 or 2-1 – because Leeds’ defensive organisation could frustrate us if we start slowly.

Whatever the prediction, one thing is certain: three points are essential. If Arsenal want to keep pace with City and Liverpool, these are the games we cannot afford to stumble in.

Tactical Watchpoints & Squad Dynamics

Arsenal: Depth Tested Early

The offensive line has already taken a hit. Kai Havertz, last season’s top scorer with 15 goals, is sidelined with a knee injury. That thrusts Viktor Gyökeres into the spotlight as the only fit recognised striker. His debut at Old Trafford was a muted affair – few touches, no shots, and a struggle to impose himself. The Emirates crowd will be eager to see more evidence of his qualities.

In Havertz’s absence, Arteta may need to get creative. Players like Leandro Trossard could be asked to float centrally, while the midfield balance must allow Ødegaard and Rice to link more cleanly with the forward line. Much rests on Saka and Martinelli stretching Leeds and creating the openings Gyökeres can thrive on.

Another subplot is the integration of new signings. Christian Nørgaard’s absence from the squad last week raised eyebrows – whether tactical or fitness related, fans will want to see what he adds.

Leeds: No Pushovers

Leeds’ opening-day win revealed a compact defensive structure and an ability to punish mistakes. Daniel Farke has instilled a pragmatic streak, and they’ll likely approach this with a deep block, looking to frustrate Arsenal and strike on the break. Nmecha up front gives them a focal point, while their midfield works tirelessly to close gaps.

Their biggest test will be coping with Arsenal’s pace on the wings. If they can keep Saka and Martinelli quiet, the game could get nervy. But if either wide man finds joy, Leeds may struggle to hold firm.

Arsenal’s Season Narrative: A Defining Early Patch

This match is more than just Game 2 – it’s part of a defining first ten-game run that could shape the season. With Liverpool, City, Newcastle, and tricky away days looming, Arsenal must use fixtures like Leeds at home to build momentum. Drop points here, and the pressure compounds quickly.

The narrative of this campaign is still being written. Last season’s heartbreak means expectations are sky-high, but fans also know the fine margins. Every game matters, and early rhythm could be decisive come May.

Final Thoughts

Saturday’s clash with Leeds feels like more than a routine fixture—it’s a chance to lay down a marker. The Emirates expects not just a win but a performance that underlines our title credentials. Leeds won’t roll over, but Arsenal have too much quality and too much motivation to let this slip.

Prediction? A professional 2-0 win. Gyökeres to get off the mark, and Saka to remind everyone why he’s the heartbeat of this team. Three points, clean sheet, and momentum rolling into the autumn.

Come on you Gunners!

DJ

It would be absolutely hilarious this summer if Arsenal signed Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as the replacement for Kai Havertz.

It is not that I would be massively in favour for Wissa. Although I also would not be against it. It is more than it would be absolutely glorious watching the melt down in Newcastle were they to miss out on yet another target.

All their bleating about being a big club after one League Cup in about 70 years. A club who have been relegated more this century than won trophies do not suddenly become a big club just because they have become a sportswashing project for a Human Rights abusing state.

This summer, their fans have shown a complete lack of knowledge around PSR and have blamed everyone but themselves as they have limped from target to target, rejected by everyone.

Their club is the joke of England, to the point that Alexander Isak is doing everything he can to leave! And again Newcastle fans will blame everyone, including journalists, for the Swede wishing to play for a bigger club competing for the biggest trophies.

But Newcastle tears aside, could Yoane Wissa actually fill the Havertz size gap?

Proven Premier League pedigree – Wissa scored 19 goals last season, with only Erling Haaland and Mo Salah scoring more “non-penalty goals”. He understands the pace, intensity, and physicality of English football, which makes him a low-risk addition compared to untested names from abroad.

Versatility in attack – Before the departure of Ivan Toney, Wissa played primarily on the left wing for Brentford. He only became the focal point in Brentford’s attack following Toney’s departure a year ago. And in that 12 months since he has put up incredible figures. Cover for Viktor Gyokeres in the middle and also an option out wide. That will mean Wissa would not quickly become surplus for requirements when Havertz returns.

A clinical finisher – Last season, Wissa quietly built a reputation as a sharp finisher. His movement inside the box, instinct for rebounds, and composure in one-on-one situations make him a constant threat. He thrives on half-chances, meaning that he could build a partnership with Gyokeres, not just be his cover. Big man little man when chasing the game anyone?

A “system player” for Arteta – Arteta prioritises players who fit his tactical vision rather than just big names. Wissa has demonstrated intelligence, adaptability, and selflessness – traits that Arteta consistently looks for. Wissa’s humility and work ethic align with the culture Arteta has built, where the collective comes before the individual.

Wissa wouldn’t arrive demanding to be the star man, but he would contribute significantly whenever called upon. That type of mentality is exactly what Arsenal need as they continue to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

Physicality and work rate – Arteta values forwards who not only contribute offensively but also press aggressively and defend from the front. Wissa embodies that ethos. His tireless energy makes him a nightmare for defenders trying to build from the back.

Brentford’s system relies heavily on coordinated pressing and transitional play, and Wissa has excelled in that environment. Bringing that same intensity to Arsenal would fit seamlessly with Arteta’s pressing schemes and strengthen the team’s ability to suffocate opponents high up the pitch.

A Realistic and affordable target – The headache for Mikel Arteta and the team is who to bring in that will not cost a bomb. As it stands, Brentford have rejected an offer of £35m + £5m from Newcastle for Wissa. Arsenal could comfortably dwarf that, and he would still feel like a value signing.

While we may dream of new blockbuster attacking signings, sometimes the smartest moves are the ones that bring balance, depth, and tactical options. Yoane Wissa represents exactly that. Proven in the Premier League, versatile across the front line, and affordable, he would add another dimension to Arsenal’s attack without disrupting the current structure.

If Arsenal are serious about sustaining a title push and competing deep into the Champions League, signing a player like Wissa to replace Havertz could be the kind of savvy addition that makes all the difference.

And it would wind up those Geordie mugs…

Keenos

And just as the doom and gloom merchants are coming back from their Benidorm breaks, Arsenal do something magical!

I honestly thought the Eberechi Eze deal was dead.

We were struggling to sell the players needed to free up squad space. With Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke, Ethan Nwaneri, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson, we already had 8 options for 3 positions. It was clear Eze would only come in if departures happened.

Then the new contract for Trossard was announced.

I was always of the view that if Eze came in, it would be as a replacement for Trossard – someone to be cover on the left wing and also be an attacking option more centrally. Trossard’s new deal seemed to kill off the idea.

And then you had Tottenham.

They looked set to swoop for Eze, a long term target of theirs. And with James Maddison out for the season, Eze would be a guaranteed started for them in a World Cup year – something he would not be for The Arsenal.

In the time it takes to refresh your Twitter timeline, the world went from doom and gloom over Arsenal to excitement and piss taking.

I get those that did not really understand the new deal for Trossard. More money but no more years. It confused many.

I tried to make sense of it and the only thing I could think is Mikel Arteta wanted him to stay (the contract was on the table since early summer), but Trossard was getting sniffed around by clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia – he nearly left to Saudi Arabia last year.

Not wanting him to kick up a stink and try and leave, the decision was then made to increase his salary at Arsenal to keep him happy. But the club did not want him to have a contract beyond his 33rd year on this planet, so it was decided to offer the raise on existing terms.

That ensured a key player was kept happy and committed for two years, and not agitating for a move away. Had we not offered Trossard the contract, the options were:

1. Sell and replace him. His replacement would likely cost more and come in on the money Trossard wants, whilst then needing to be integrated into the team
2. Keep Trossard and risk that he becomes demotivated and downs tools

The payrise on the same years feels like the best deal all around. But I get it if some are still scratching their heads.

Then the news came through that Kai Havertz had picked up an injury and, worryingly, no time frame for return had been declared. This led to concerns around fans about only having Viktor Gyorekes as our forward option (with Gabriel Jesus also out injured).

It felt yesterday that moral amongst fans was lower then it should have been having seen us beat Man U 1-nil at Old Trafford, and spend close to £200m on new players following three-peating 2nd place.

And just as we were tucking into our dinner (mine was sausage omelette and hash browns), the news broke: Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to sign Eberechi Eze.

It was not only the news that Arsenal were about to sign Eze that got the world rumbling with excitement, it was that we had seemingly snatched him from Spurs’ grasp at the last minute.

2 weeks ago it looked like Eze was off to Tottenham. Terms with the player had been agreed and they were negotiating the final aspects of the deal with Palace. But the deal had stalled. And now we all know why.

Arsenal was always Eze’s preferred option. We had clearly let both him and Palace know that we were still planning to come in for him if they were patient. So they stalled the deal.

Any movement from us was contingent on a player or 3 departing. But that has not happened. So why have we moved so quickly?

Well, firstly, Palace and Eze would only stall so long before taking the Tottenham deal. There might have been a feeling that had Arsenal not come in before the end of this week, the Spurs deal would be wrapped up.

But then you also have the Havertz injury.

Arsenal already had 26 senior players that needed to be registered with the Premier League. The maximum you could have is 25. That always meant that new signings would either need to see departures happen, or the club decide not to register a senior professional. And the club would have been very reluctant to do the latter due to the squad disharmony it could create.

No new players in would mean we only needed to shift one player to make the squad balance (although more were likely to leave).

Havertz injury looks like it could be long-term. If he is out beyond Christmas, he will not be registered in the first half of the year. That means we would be in the exact same situation if we signed someone – only needing to sell one.

The injury to Havertz basically “free’d up” the squad place for the recruitment of Eze.

Getting Eze not only improves our squad and gives us another attacking option, it also makes Tottenham the job of North London.

From Petit to Campbell, and now Eze, anyone that ever questioned who was the biggest club has now had the answer firmly thrown in their face.

North London has always been red. It always will be red. And those Middlesex swamp dwellers can cry into the pints they will be having in Waltham Cross, Broxbourne and Cheshunt.

Enjoy your Thursdsay!

Keenos