Premier League: New Faces Imminent As Arsenal Show Intent

Arsenal v Leeds United

Two Premier League clubs who started the season with victories and clean sheets respectively – you can’t ask for much more.

Yet both Arsenal and Leeds’ successes weren’t welcomed by all and sundry in the media with the former accused of being under par and the latter involved in headlines which highlighted their good fortune at being awarded a match-winning spot kick.

Ultimately, though, they both made winning starts to the campaign with the Gunners gaining a hard fought win at Old Trafford, which is a fine achievement at any time of the season, and Leeds edging out Everton on their return to the top flight.

Now for the second week of potential Premier League 2025 highlights and a clash which, for many SBOTOP supporters with long-held memories of English football, will evoke memories.

 

Talking Points

Of all the promoted teams, Leeds seemed best equipped to buck the trend of the past two years which has seen every team go straight back down.

It won’t be easy but they have given themselves a chance with a spending spree which has continued this week with the signing of Switzerland striker Noah Okafor from AC Milan for £18 million.

The 25 year-old, who has arrived on a four-year deal to become Leeds’ ninth summer signing, may even be among the substitutes as they travel to North London to take on a club with very different ambitions.

Mikel Arteta, who has been in charge at Arsenal for five and a half years, has a solitary FA Cup to show for his efforts thus far, and, while that alone is not a fair reflection on the progress the club has made since his appointment, that is the currency of football at the highest level.

They also appear to have been rather active in the transfer market this week in the striking department; the blow of losing Kai Havertz to a training ground injury prompting them into the market decisively with the capture of frontman Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

Injuries in attack, and a failure to secure replacements in the January transfer window, ensured the Gunners were not able to sustain a credible title bid last term and that is a scenario they are clearly not prepared to repeat.

 

History

It is quite a history and, for the most part of their league meetings in the modern day, it’s been one-sided.

In fact, Leeds have not beaten Arsenal since May 2003 but that was a mightily important game as it was a shock win which ensured Leeds survived in the Premier League, while ending Arsenal’s title hopes at the expense of Manchester United.

It remains their only success against the Gunners in the last 14 league meetings in league and cup.

They drew 0-0 at Elland Road in November 2020  which was their best result for some time.

Since then, Arsenal have won six meetings in a row including a league double when Leeds were last in the top flight in 2022-23.

At Elland Road, Bukayo Saka netted the only goal of the contest in a match which was suspended for 40 minutes after just a minute of the first half due to a power cut which caused issues with the officials’ communications systems.

In the return at the Emirates Stadium, the home side ran out 4-1 winners as they attempted, unsuccessfully, to wrestle the title from Manchester City.

Gabriel Jesus (two, one penalty), Ben White and Granit Xhaka were the marksmen with Rasmus Kristensen notching the Leeds consolation.

Historically, the rivalry has been a much closer one with 53 Arsenal wins, 41 Leeds triumphs and 33 draws.

They have never met in the league outside of the top flight.

One of their most famous ever meetings came in the 1972 FA Cup Final when a solitary goal from Allan Clarke won the cup for Leeds, then managed by Don Revie.

 

Betting Tip

There was a division between them last season and that is reflected in the Premier League 2025 betting odds.

While the Gunners are priced 1X2 @ 1.25 and Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 2.00, Leeds are out as far as 1X2 @ 8.40 and Asian Handicap +1.50 @ 2.11.

Even a draw appears unlikely, although worth a good payoff, @ 5.40.

A repeat of their last meeting, almost two and a half years ago, is on offer @ 17.00 with Correct Score 4-1.I think Arsenal will win with a bit to spare and so my *** tip is Total Goals 4-6 @ 2.58.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.