"Congratulations to Mikel Arteta, what he has done is very impressive," Daniel Farke said before Leeds travel to Arsenal for Arsenal vs Leeds. The Leeds manager also had to run through a mixed injury update, with Daniel James ruled out and Joe Rodon still not back in team training.
Farke's message on Arteta and Arsenal
Farke did not sound like a manager trying to play down the scale of the task. He praised [Mikel Arteta]'s work, said Arsenal had been struggling when the Spaniard took over, and pointed to the winning mentality he has built since then.
He also expects a sharp response from Arsenal after their Brighton defeat. Farke said they are likely to be more on it on Saturday, while adding that Leeds travel knowing Arsenal are such a good team and have a chance to show how far they have come over the last months.
The context is not flattering for Leeds. Arsenal won 4 of their opening 5 Premier League fixtures and sit 2nd, so this is not the kind of trip where a relaxed opponent is likely to be waiting.
Leeds' fitness picture
The Leeds update was more practical. James will miss the game because of a back injury he carried back from international duty, and Rodon is still working his way back through rehab after a hamstring problem that has kept him out since late August. Farke said Rodon is making good progress, but is still limited to individual sessions.
That leaves Leeds managing more than one issue in the same area of the pitch. Joe Rodon has made only 2 Premier League appearances this season, and James has already made 3, so both absences remove players Leeds have used rather than fringe options.
Jean-Matteo Bahoya could make Arsenal after returning to training for the first time, which at least gives Leeds one possible late boost. Even so, the visit to north London still looks like a proper test of the unbeaten start Leeds have put together.
Leeds are 5th with 9 points from 5 league games and remain unbeaten at 2-3-0. Arsenal have a strong enough start of their own that Farke's praise sounds less like politeness and more like a straightforward read on the opposition.
Saturday's lunchtime kick-off in north London will tell Leeds a lot about where they stand, and it arrives with James out, Rodon still short of team training, and Arsenal already 4-0-1 in the league.
FAQ
Why is Daniel Farke talking up Mikel Arteta before Arsenal vs Leeds?
Farke said Arteta's work has been very impressive and praised the winning mentality he has built at Arsenal. He also said Leeds travel knowing Arsenal are such a good team and that the match is a chance to show how far Leeds have come over the last months.
Which Leeds players are doubts for the Arsenal game?
Daniel James will miss the Arsenal game because of a back injury, while Joe Rodon is still not in team training as he works back through rehab. Jean-Matteo Bahoya could make Arsenal after returning to training for the first time.
How strong has Arsenal's start to the Premier League season been?
Arsenal have won 4 of their opening 5 Premier League fixtures and sit 2nd in the table. They also had 60 per cent possession and more xG against Brighton, despite that defeat.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →
