Arsenal vs. Leeds: The Peacocks face a tough Gunners test at Emirates Stadium

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side will host newly promoted Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday for their first home game of the new Premier League season.

Both teams are riding high after securing 1-0 victories in their opening matches, but the historical record strongly favours the home side.

Arsenal is looking to build on a fortunate but crucial 1-0 smash-and-grab victory over Manchester United. The Gunners’ win came from an early goal and a gritty defensive performance, something they will hope to improve upon in front of their home crowd.

Leeds, meanwhile, will be full of confidence after their own 1-0 victory over Everton, which came from a contentious handball call.

Head-to-Head History Favours the Gunners

History is not on Leeds’ side as they travel to North London. Arsenal is unbeaten in their last 14 meetings against the Peacocks in all competitions, a run that includes 12 wins and two draws.

The Gunners have also won all five of their previous home games against Leeds under Mikel Arteta.

Leeds has struggled to find a clean sheet against Arsenal, failing to keep one in their last 14 Premier League visits. Their last trip to the Emirates ended in a 4-1 defeat in April 2023.

Match Prediction and Transfer News

The Opta supercomputer predicts a comfortable victory for Arsenal, giving them a 70.4% chance of winning the match. Leeds’ chances of a win are rated at just 12.5%, with a draw coming in at 17.2%.

In addition to their strong on-field record, Arsenal will be buoyed by their recent transfer activity.

The club has reportedly agreed to a £60 million deal to sign Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze, a move that is expected to be finalised over the weekend.

While the deal is not expected to be completed in time for Eze to make his debut against Leeds, the signing demonstrates Arsenal’s ambition and provides a boost to the squad.