Daniel Farke thinks Leeds United can use Saturday’s visit to Arsenal to assess their development, even though he admits the timing of the match could hardly be worse. The Whites travel to the Emirates Stadium as underdogs, but their place in the Premier League table gives the manager reason to believe they can pose a stronger challenge than they did last season.
Leeds are currently fifth in the standings, and Farke views the upcoming clash as a chance to test how much his team have improved since their earlier meetings with Mikel Arteta’s side.
Leeds United aim for progress against Arsenal
Leeds faced two tough matches against Arsenal last season, losing 5-0 away before falling 4-0 at Elland Road. Those outcomes stood out to Farke because he felt his team had been much more competitive against other opponents.
“Arsenal last season was more or less the only team where we had no chance to win one of the games, and we were not even close to it,” the Leeds manager said.
He now wants to see whether his players have narrowed the gap and can compete with one of the division’s strongest sides. Although Farke accepts that Arsenal remain favourites, he believes Leeds have earned the right to approach the match with greater confidence.
Premier League form gives Farke confidence
Leeds’ recent results give the manager evidence that his side has made significant progress. Farke pointed to their points tally over the past 10 or 11 months, during which he says they have been the fifth-best team in the Premier League.
“I would say we definitely have improved,” he explained, rejecting the idea that Leeds’ current league position is due to luck.
Their fifth-place standing and unbeaten start to the campaign have reinforced that belief. Farke nevertheless recognises that performing against Arsenal at the Emirates will demand a different level of execution, particularly given the circumstances surrounding the hosts.
Arsenal’s defeat to Brighton raises the stakes
Arsenal’s recent 3-0 loss away to Brighton and Hove Albion could make Leeds’ task even more demanding. Farke sees the result as a warning, expecting Arteta’s players to respond with renewed determination in front of their home supporters.
The occasion will also include the announcement of Arteta’s contract, which Farke believes will add to the atmosphere inside the stadium. He expects Arsenal to be fully focused and ready to show their quality after the Brighton setback.
“They are also the big favourite to win the title this season, and they were flawless before the Brighton game,” Farke said. He added that teams often respond to a disappointing performance by raising their level in the following match.
Leeds embraces underdog status at the Emirates
Farke admitted that facing Arsenal at this particular moment represents the “worst possible” timing for Leeds. However, the fixture schedule offers no opportunity to choose a more convenient opponent or wait for circumstances to improve.
Instead, the manager wants his team to approach the challenge with respect but without fear. He believes Saturday’s encounter will provide a meaningful indication of how far Leeds have progressed over the past year.
The objective is not simply to produce a competitive display. Farke also wants Leeds to challenge for points, turning their improved form into a result against a side he considers one of the leading contenders for the Premier League title.