Arsenal travel to Elland Road this afternoon knowing the stakes could hardly be higher. With the title race tightening and momentum wavering, this fixture has the feel of a make or break moment for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Three consecutive Premier League games without a win have allowed Manchester City and Aston Villa back into contention, reducing Arsenal’s lead at the summit to just four points. A positive result today would steady the ship and restore belief, while anything less risks further pressure as the season enters a decisive phase.
Historically, this fixture has favoured Arsenal. The Gunners have won their last seven meetings with Leeds United in all competitions and remain unbeaten in the last 12 encounters. However, Elland Road is never a comfortable venue, particularly when the home crowd senses vulnerability. Leeds have shown this season they are capable of producing disruptive performances, especially on their own patch.
Team news and selection context
Arteta has key decisions to make following rotation in midweek. Arsenal welcomed back Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz in the Champions League, with both expected to feature prominently today. Jurrien Timber and William Saliba were rested in Europe after minor issues picked up against Manchester United, but the Arsenal manager has confirmed both are fit and available.
The balance between control, energy and leadership will be crucial in this environment, particularly given the physical and emotional demands of an away trip to Yorkshire.
Confirmed Arsenal starting XI
Confirmed Arsenal team to face Leeds United:
🔵 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔘
💫 Timber back in defence
✊ Havertz returns to PL action
🎯 Gyokeres leading the lineLet’s set the tone, Gunners 🫵
Presented by @deel 🤝
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 31, 2026
Arsenal will be looking for a composed, authoritative performance rather than fireworks. This is the type of game where mentality, discipline and game management matter just as much as quality.
A strong response today would not only reinforce Arsenal’s position at the top of the table, but also send a message that the pressure of a title run-in will not derail their season.
COYG!
Michelle M
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So Odegaard’s been dropped to the bench and will no doubt be a popular decision
Looking forward to seeing Havertz back in a more serious game and let’s see if Arteta has made the right call
So much for Arteta favoritism
Good lineup,let’s get the 3 points.
You don’t have a point when it’s taken years 🤣🤣🤣🤣
He’s waited 5 years to post that comment 😂😂
This decision could be for the Norwegian own good SueP, It could spark life into our under pressure captain.
There was a certain German by the name of Michal Ballack and others that once joined Chelsea as they thought Drogba best years was behind, but the Ivory Coast international responded by having a majestic season
I’m surprised by it. I think it’s a mistake to start with Kai ahead of Ode. Kai can’t be match fit right now, as Ode and Eze are. They are different types of players, Kai’s splendid pass to Gyok more likely the outlier, Ode more likely than anyone we have to seize control of a game with his passing.
Moon Girl, it worked. Havertz provided another big body in the box with heand Gyokeres providing Arsemal wide players more space. Odegaard played much better when he came on after being dropped from the starting 11.
Let’s see if we can have more urgency passing forward, Odegard is one of the best in the world but he needs to improve his passing and shooting skills,
Biggbeny,
You confuse me, you say that Odegaard is one of the best in the world. Then you say, but he needs to improve his passing and shooting skills.
So that being the case, what is he one of the worlds best at then. Is it that he runs around a lot and he’s good at the press. 🤷♂️
He’s not and that’s okay
Think the issue is we put too much pressure on him
Dan,
I don’t put to much pressure on him. For me he’s a good player and nothing more.
Finally yesterday he made to good passes in the third and fourth goals. A long time coming, but better late than never I suppose.
Sorry not you mate
Whoever called him world class
Dan,
Nothing to apologize for. 👍
Your a good egg
Merino and MLS left at home
Merino has a foot injury apparently. At least theres a reason because he always makes squad and could definitely contribute to this match
Gyokeres.
Trossard. Havertz. Saka.
Rice. Zubimendi.
Hincapie. Gabriel. Saliba. Timber.
Raya.
I’m very much interested in seeing Gyokeres and Havertz link up.
Such is the number of players available CM
Not been this well fixed for a long time
Meant to reply to CorporateMan
This will be a very tough match, Leeds have lost only twice at home this season. They have lost just once in the last 10 EPL game. Equalized from 0-2 down at Etihad only to lose in additional time. Yet some will expect us to cruise past easy 3-0 and whine even if we win a close 1-0, 2-1 match.
That one loss was a 4-3 loss where they conceded twice in additional time, one of which was a penalty.
But Merino would have been good to come in the second half maybe for a tap in goal in the 18 yard box.
This comes across as a bit desperate from Arteta ?
Desperate?.Strong bench without Merino, MLS and Norgaard.
So dropping an out of form player who was previously hooked before the 60th min twice when we needed a goal is desperate. This is basically our starting 11 apart from a returning Calafiori.
Let me guess you probably have the desperation article drafted waiting for us to slip again and throwing a little tease comment.
Yes mate
We know Havertz doesn’t work in that position
And if it doesn’t work what have we now done to Odegarrd and Ezes confidence
And no dude I report what I see
Havertz does well today it’s a brilliant decision and Ill report that
Wrong we know Havertz as an LCM doesn’t work which is a different role than the RCM which he will play today. Also it’s a new midfield pivot with Rice and Zubimendi. So you know nothing same as the rest of us.
Also we are here to win titles not to coddle players ego and confidence. Both Odegaard and Eze were out of form so none have any claim to start.
Oh no saka injured in warm up.🥲🥲
gonna be a long day lol.
Good call but I am a bit worried for Gyo since he missed some chances, hope he can link up well with Kai, I think Arteta is not dumb. He knows what he is doing
At least Odegaard is out, ill take it
Arteta’s slow build-up tactics are perfect for tough away games, as long as Leeds don’t sit back in front of their home fans
Havertz would likely play better in the CF position, but let’s see if he has got enough technical skills to play the right-sided AM role or not
COYG
This is a very good squad. Apart from Calafiori, who is on the bench, the rest are truly our first choice players. I only hope Zubimendi has now learnt not to make blind passes because they cost us the Man U game. Looking at today’s players, one gets the feeling that these are all fighters which gives us confidence. They are not unidirectional but can vary their game accordingly. I am confident about today.
Oh no saka injured in warm up.🥲🥲
Seriously?
What kind of warm up is this? By my count it’s at least three crocked this season whilst warming up.
So no Odegaard but no Eze, I actually thought this is the type of game for the former Crystal man to dip his bread .
I have no clue why we take so much of time for just a throw in
I could literally cook sunny side up till the time we are throwing the ball in field
As expected
Slow start
We are unable to get out of Leeds Press
Madueke is bad at final ball
It’s so frustrating to watch
You beat the man and make horrible pass to lose the ball
KD, Madueke came good, as he won man of the match.
Noticing same fouls called against us but not for us.
But we are very dreadful going forward
We are not at all creating anything
We are but it doesn’t help that defenders are allowed to grapple Gyokeres to the ground everytime we try to use him as focal point. When he retaliates he is penalised.
👍
Zubimendi!!
Right let’s not go all defensive now – just keep attacking they’re going to come out so gives us more chance to score.
Thanks guys – don’t go defensive, go get goals!!
Hopefully a couple more will go in!! 🙏
The need for a throw in coach is evident
So what are we today? Set-piece or OG? 🤣 I couldn’t care less how they go in, as long as we win!!
@Sue
👍🏾
🤩
Our main CF owngoaliniho
5th goal of the season
@Kedar Damle
😂
Corner fc and own goal fc with a superb combination once again.
That was Madueke”s goal. Never an own goal.
@Ackshay
I’ll take em however which way they come. Remember, they count also. Just sayin…😁
NY_G, spot on fella 👍
Why on earth did Trossard give away that ball? A mistake again that set up their whole play.
Our left wing still not very functional. Needs to bring in Martinelli or Even Jesus on that flank.
Don’t you think we need an elite LW like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Rafael Leao
Nico Williams?
I will take Leao any day ahead of all we have currently
Madueke’s long crossing ability is amazing. I hope he won’t get injured again, because he’s one of our best RWs
Having an additional towering player like Havertz in attacking set-pieces made us more threatening
@GAI
Both he and Timber slinging them in with such pinpoint accuracy. Very impressive 👏🏾
Not that I want Saka to be out, but maybe slightly fortuitous having Noni on the right wing, as he assisted/scored in both goals…
Would be a huge win
We’re hungry quite alright especially that right side
But we’re not creative at-all
And Kai leaves that attacking midfield unattended to some times
Eze showed some zest in the Kairat match – I hope he’ll get an opportunity to fan that flame in this match
With 2 goals up, time to bring in Captain Odegard for more control of the midfield even though lethargic
More reason why Madueke should be starting more matches,Saka has been holding back us by his sluggish play&selfishness.
Gyökeres is too slow to make decisions and allow defender to recover
Same happened against Forest as well
KD, Gyokeres gets double marked every game and constantly wrestled to the ground, with no fouls given. He provides width for Arsenal’s wide players by tying up central defenders.
The goal he missed was due to an excellent defensive tackle. He didn’t let it affect him, but took his second chance well to score Arsenal’s third goal.
I say we give the kid a break and act supportively. He is one of us, it is the coach’s duty, but also the fan’s job, to bring the best of our players. He is doing better and better, instill a positive mindset in him, I believe he is on the right track to flourish.
Keep the pressure up, we need another goal to kill them off! Don’t go all defensive now.
The Big German showing a little ring rust, hopes he’s only afforded 65 minutes, to shakes it all off
It looks like Leeds gonna soon score scrappy goal
This game is crying out for Eze to come on and gets himself a brace
Big shame not many saw us scoring three goals here,
Leeds needs a consolation for their efforts as we plan for the visit of Chelsea
Make that 4 😁
Massive win
Just what we needed, all our strikers firing now, only concerns are Saka and Merino injuries and Eze still not clicking in.
Simply Beautiful…👏🏾
I’m surprised the possession stats were 49% Leeds 51% Arsenal, I thought we controlled 75% of the game.
Wow, asked for some response and we got just that. On to the next one and finally our front line scored after some damning stats. 3 points and we quickly move on to the next game.
Good win and good display by the squad today. Hopefully we can carry it on on Tuesday night.
Congratulations GOONERS WORLDWIDE! Against the run of predictions. The score again is Leeds 0-4 ARSENAL.
Yeah huge win
So good!
Without Saka
Without Saka without Odegaard. 14 left we can do it.
Win next Saturday and we can send City to Anfield under pressure
Emirates got to stay calm next Saturday though
Yeah Sunderland at Emirates again another promoted team is nightmare after securing Carabao final beating Chelsea on Tuesday then unto at Wembley. Wembley.. ..
Great and deserved win today. All the players on the pitch delivered a good and strong performanc in both legs. I was pleased to see lovely goals by Zubimenti, (Madueke), Gyökeres and Jesus. Really good and accurate assists by Madueke and Martinelli. Let’s hope that Gyökeres starts a scoring streak now, as goals must give confidence. And Timber was once again outstanding.
The outcome of this match is IMO proof that squad dept with quality players in all positions can be decisive in the title fight. For many years, we have not had such a good squad. Now the pressure is on Man.C and Aston Vila.
Websurfer, I would say that this is the strongest squad I’ve ever known in over 50 years of being a supporter of The Arsenal.
Great win – meanwhile the Chavs aren’t struggling against the Hammers last time I looked.
They are 2-0 down at halftime Ken.
Ken, wait for the reaction at Hotspur Stadium tomorrow when if Spurs win they put a dent in Manchester City’s title chase. The good thing for Arsenal is that a Spur’s loss leaves them hovering above the relegation places.
This attitude at Spurs really upset Ange Postecoglou, as an Australian, we never tank games no matter how good the opposition.
Yeah Sunderland at Emirates again another promoted team is nightmare after securing Carabao final beating Chelsea on Tuesday then unto at Wembley. Wembley.. ..
Eze is a worry, he needs to work harder to please MA,
there is no room for passenger´s in this team at this stage !! I am a bit puzzled by Hincapié as a player, I´m
always waiting for the next mistake from him ?? While
Rice and Calafiori fill me with confidence.. Kai was quiet
What an assist from Martinelli. Reminds me of the brilliant Sanchez, Montreal and Ozil axis and how they used to break up defences on the left and send the ball across the goal for the likes of Giroud and Ramsey. Not totally convinced by all our players today, but three points were badly needed and the job got done.
Pleased for Madueke getting the start. I think he’s lookes sharp all season, despite no regular game time. Been unlucky not to have more end product.
Madueke’s best role is rapidly getting up the wing, dribbling past defenders and popping one precisely into the spot a 9 should be running into. Martinelli can do the same on the left (when he’s not attempting to cut inside and shoot himself). If Gyok realizes this and can actually get into the right position in time, then the whole debate about service to him could become moot…
MA loves a player like Martinelli, a hard worker and helps the defender well.. Eze take note !! Now let’s hope
Saka is alright.
Villa down, next Man City