Arsenal were without Bukayo Saka as they reasserted their Premier League title credentials with a thumping victory over Leeds. The Gunners lost their attacking talisman to what is being reported as a left hip injury during the warm-up at Elland Road, just days before their Carabao Cup semi-final decider against Chelsea. However, replacement Noni Madueke enjoyed a starring role as Mikel Arteta’s side ran out emphatic 4-0 winners in the driving Yorkshire rain.
With closest rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa both not in action until Sunday, against Tottenham and Brentford respectively, Arsenal seized the chance to rebuild their advantage at the summit to seven points, pile on some pressure of their own and quieten the latest questions about their mettle that followed a three-game winless top-flight run and first home loss of the season to Manchester United. Madueke teed up Martin Zubimendi for a first-half header to break the deadlock, before his delicious corner delivery was accidentally punched in off the post for an own goal by Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
The visitors soaked up plenty of pressure initially after the interval before Viktor Gyokeres and substitute Gabriel Jesus made it a rout, with Arteta’s men creating plenty of late chances to add to their huge lead. Follow Leeds vs Arsenal reaction live below!
Leeds vs Arsenal highlights
- GOAL! Jesus adds late fourth off the bench
- GOAL! Gyokeres steers in Martinelli ball after Leeds pressure
- OWN GOAL! Darlow punches in Madueke corner off the post
- GOAL! Zubimendi heads in Madueke cross to break deadlock
- Madueke drafted in after Saka injured during warm-up
Fan reaction
20:32 , George FloodSome criticism of Daniel Farke’s team selection too among Leeds supporters, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s impressive run of form halted on an anonymous afternoon...
#lufc were probably never getting anything from that. Arsenal are a top side....but Farke never gave us a chance. 1st half the issue was DCL too isolated, his changes did nothing to address that. Onto the next 🤷🏻♂️
— Paddy Murphy (@Paddy19847v2) January 31, 2026
Fan reaction
20:31 , George FloodAs for Leeds, many fans are demanding reinforcements before Monday night’s transfer deadline after Chelsea’s comeback win over relegation rivals West Ham left them breathing a huge sigh of relief...
Been given a massive lifeline tonight. Now go sign some players & give us the best possible chance of staying up #lufc
— Lee Scott (@LeeScott321) January 31, 2026
Fan reaction
20:29 , George FloodContinued criticism from rival fans over Arsenal’s style of play is getting short shrift from most of the Gunners faithful...
Cry more about the set pieces and "dark arts" while you’re staring at the back of our shirts from down the table. Total domination….get used to it or turn the telly off. 📉
— Gem AFC (@afc_gem) January 31, 2026
Mind the gap, you absolute melts. The Arsenal are clear. 🔴⚪️#AFC #COYG #SetPieceFC #LondonIsRed
Fan reaction
20:27 , George FloodArsenal fans on social media, like Mikel Arteta, are understandably delighted with the mentality shown by their team today on what could have been a seriously tricky afternoon, but turned into anything but...
What a way to wrap up a massive January schedule! 🔴⚪️ This squad continues to show heart, depth, and that relentless winning mentality.
— Sam Epiphany of Shire💦💙 (@epiphanyshire7) January 31, 2026
The momentum is real. We move into February stronger than ever. Let’s keep this energy going, Gooners! 🧱🔥#AFC #Arsenal #COY #LEEARS
Leeds 0-4 Arsenal
16:56 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
That's some win for Arsenal.
Miserable conditions, on a tough run, but they first outfought Leeds and then outplayed them.
Seven points clear at the top, at least for 24 hours.
Leeds 0-4 Arsenal
16:55 , George FloodFull-time
Consider Arsenal’s recent title wobble now firmly over.
4-0 and it could have been many more - a first win in four in the Premier League and they extend their title advantage back to seven points before rivals Aston Villa and Manchester City both play tomorrow, against Brentford and Tottenham respectively.
Emphatic.
Leeds 0-4 Arsenal
16:53 , George Flood92 mins: The ‘oles’ are ringing out from the away end as Arsenal cruise towards the finish line at a deflated Elland Road.
Tempers now flare between Calafiori and Ampadu after Arsenal guide another corner over the bar.
Leeds 0-4 Arsenal
16:50 , George Flood90 mins: Four minutes of added time for Leeds to endure.
They have been well, well beaten here.
Leeds 0-4 Arsenal
16:49 , George Flood88 mins: It could easily be five as relentless Arsenal pour forward once again, but Darlow keeps out Martinelli’s low effort.
Jesus has been excellent off the bench.
GOAL! Leeds 0-4 Arsenal | Gabriel Jesus 86'
16:46 , George Flood86 mins: It’s a rout at Elland Road!
Odegaard slides in Jesus, who spins Struijk and then pushes the ball forward with a lovely little flick before picking out the bottom corner.
Superb.
Leeds 0-3 Arsenal
16:45 , George Flood83 mins: Leeds try to muster some sort of late response but the door is quickly closed on them.
Piroe replaces Calvert-Lewin up front.
Leeds 0-3 Arsenal
16:43 , George Flood81 mins: It was Trossard who made way for Eze.
Farke sends on Gnonto for Stach.
Leeds 0-3 Arsenal
16:41 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
Leeds have just not been able to live with Arsenal's crossing this afternoon.
All three goals have come from them and in the last couple of minutes Jesus and Calafiori should both probably have scored headers.
Just a word, too, on poor Eze.
Absolutely torrential rain at Elland Road and he looks like the most miserable man in the world as he's told to come on for the final 10 minutes.
Leeds 0-3 Arsenal
16:40 , George Flood79 mins: Darlow pushes over Jesus’ header after Timber’s cross.
Another Arsenal corner follows and the ball bounces wide off the head of Calafiori.
The Gunners want that late fourth goal here.
Leeds 0-3 Arsenal
16:38 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
Arsenal very much in the mood now.
Rice with a driving run in the box, creates the chance for Jesus, and he trickles an effort wide seconds after coming on.
Had to score.
Leeds 0-3 Arsenal
16:37 , George Flood76 mins: Arsenal are not merely content with three goals here as Rice surges forward into the box and Jesus ends up pulling an effort just wide of the back post.
Huge chance for 4-0.
Leeds 0-3 Arsenal
16:35 , George Flood75 mins: Arteta is sending on Calafiori and Jesus now for Hincapie and Gyokeres.
Buonanotte replaced Aaronson for Leeds after the third Arsenal goal.
Leeds 0-3 Arsenal
16:34 , George Flood73 mins: Timber needs to be a bit careful here as he clatters carelessly into Darlow on a yellow card.
It is absolutely pouring it down now at Elland Road.
Leeds 0-3 Arsenal
16:33 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
And that should be that.
It hasn't necessarily felt like a 3-0 match, but Arsenal have stood up to the physical test and then taken advantage, on the whole, when their chances have come.
Blip over?
GOAL! Leeds 0-3 Arsenal | Viktor Gyokeres 69'
16:28 , George Flood69 mins: And that should be that!
Martinelli rides the challenge of Struijk before his fine cross is steered in by Gyokeres, under pressure from Bogle.
Darlow should have done better again. It was straight at him.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
16:27 , George Flood68 mins: A cheap foul from Leeds gives Odegaard the chance to whip in a free-kick from wide on the right.
A surprising low effort towards the front post and Martinelli is well defended.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
16:26 , George Flood66 mins: Leeds have had 80 per cent of the possession over the last 10 minutes as another corner is cleared by Rice.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
16:24 , George Flood63 mins: Rice is demanding more composure from Arsenal as they continue to battle against heavy Leeds pressure with more than 25 minutes still to play.
The clearances are all very panicked and rushed at the moment and Leeds are dominating the ball.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
16:21 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
Leeds fans are having their second wind and they are making so much noise in here.
Tough spell for Arsenal and Arteta turns to his bench.
Havertz has managed an hour on his first league start in almost a year.
Odegaard on - Arsenal need him to bring some control on the ball.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
16:20 , George Flood60 mins: Madueke and Havertz are both replaced with an hour played at Elland Road.
On come Martinelli and Odegaard.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
16:19 , George Flood58 mins: A not-so-subtle arm to the face from Timber on Gudmundsson, with the Arsenal defender booked.
It gives Leeds a free-kick in a dangerous position on the left, a whipped effort headed away by Havertz before the ball is eventually cleared.
Martinelli and Odegaard are both preparing to come on for Arsenal now.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
16:16 , George Flood55 mins: The alert Raya watches another awkward high ball into his gloves.
Leeds are quickly back in possession and probing once more, though it’s all in front of Arsenal and lacking in pace and urgency.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
16:15 , George Flood54 mins: More promising signs for Leeds as another decent-looking cross from the right flank is gratefully gathered by Raya.
Far more intent shown going forward by the hosts in this second half so far, albeit while being indebted to Rodon for preventing it from becoming 3-0.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
16:12 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
That's the chance Gyokeres has been waiting for but he can't get the ball out of his feet properly as he runs through on goal and Rodon does superbly to get back and slide in.
Timber should make it 3-0 from the corner that follows.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
16:11 , George Flood51 mins: Rodon with a pivotal last-ditch challenge to thwart Gyokeres after the Arsenal striker had been sent through by a brilliant first-time ball from Trossard.
Madueke’s delivery to the front post is headed well over by Timber.
Should have done better there.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
16:09 , George Flood48 mins: Disgruntled Leeds fans - who let out some boos at half-time, likely aimed mostly at the referee - are urging their side to get the ball moving forward quicker as they monopolise possession at the start of this second half.
Bogle’s cross is deflected behind for another corner, Stach’s delivery from the right leading to a header from Struijk which is saved by Raya.
A first effort on target from Leeds today.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
16:06 , George Flood46 mins: Gudmundsson charges down the left and his cross for Calvert-Lewin is seen behind by Gabriel.
A disappointing corner delivery from Leeds is easily headed clear by Gyokeres at the front post.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
16:05 , George FloodLeeds are making a double change at half-time.
Okafor and Longstaff replacing Justin and Gruev.
Back underway...
Fan reaction
16:01 , George FloodPlenty of praise too for Madueke, who came in late for the injured Saka and was a menace in that first half and provided both goals.
Really good to see #madueke stepping up in #saka absence. Its exactly what he was brought in to do. #afc
— Darshan Ashok (@darshan0110) January 31, 2026
Fan reaction
15:57 , George FloodArsenal fans would still like to see their team show more from open play in attack, but they cannot argue with the fruitful results of this continued set-piece dominance...
Not the best half, but so effective again from set pieces. See it out now. #afc
— Kanø 〽️💫🌶️ (@Kane2602) January 31, 2026
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
15:51 , George FloodHalf-time
So far, so good for Arsenal on an important afternoon at Elland Road.
Still nowhere near free-flowing in attack but they continue to wreak absolute havoc from set-pieces and get their rewards, with an unfortunate Darlow own goal following Zubimendi’s smart opening run and header.
Leeds just haven’t been at the races at all after an initially bright start and have yet to muster a single shot on target.
Arsenal are going back seven points clear at the Premier League summit as things stand, until tomorrow at least.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
15:48 , George Flood45 mins: Leeds are back under serious pressure entering two minutes of added time as a fine pass from Gabriel releases Madueke, whose dangerous cut-back for Havertz is crucially cleared behind by Ampadu.
Panic again in that home penalty area as the ball is hooked back across, with shouts of handball before it’s finally cleared.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
15:44 , George Flood42 mins: Two quick-fire penalty appeals for handball from Leeds as a pair of Justin crosses are blocked, first by Rice and then by Hincapie.
Nothing doing.
Leeds 0-2 Arsenal
15:43 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
Said Madueke's set-piece delivery would be important and it's brought the second Arsenal goal!
Darlow was scrambling to his near post and could only punch it off the woodwork and into his own net.
A scrappy half but Arsenal two goals to the good.
Big moment for own goals too, enjoying a prolific season for Arsenal.
Joins Gyokeres and Trossard as the Gunners' top scorer in the Premier League with five.
GOAL! Leeds 0-2 Arsenal | Karl Darlow OG 38'
15:39 , George Flood38 mins: Arsenal’s lead is doubled!
It’s a delicious in-swinging corner from Madueke on the right, which Darlow can only punch in off his own post with Calvert-Lewin right in front of him.
Oh dear.
Leeds 0-1 Arsenal
15:39 , George Flood36 mins: No such luck for Gudmundsson, who takes down Timber and receives the first booking of the afternoon from referee Stuart Attwell.
Arsenal charge forward and earn their sixth corner of this first half already.
Leeds 0-1 Arsenal
15:37 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
Leeds fans went mad at that being given as a foul, but it was a terrible challenge from Calvert-Lewin on Gabriel.
No idea how he's avoided a yellow card for that.
Leeds 0-1 Arsenal
15:37 , George Flood34 mins: Very late from a frustrated and isolated Calvert-Lewin, who treads down the ankle and onto the top of the foot of Gabriel.
He is arguing with the referee but is very fortunate not to be booked.
Gabriel has stayed down.
Leeds 0-1 Arsenal
15:35 , George Flood32 mins: Not much of a reaction from subdued Leeds to that setback so far and now Timber’s deflected cross gives Arsenal another corner on the right.
Gyokeres heads a deep delivery dangerously back across goal but Havertz can’t get there to turn home from close range.
Leeds 0-1 Arsenal
15:32 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
Arsenal didn't much look like scoring from open play, so just as well they won a succession of set-pieces.
Corner was initially cleared but Madueke puts a great cross back in and Zubimendi is there with the run and the headed finish.
GOAL! Leeds 0-1 Arsenal | Martin Zubimendi 27'
15:28 , George Flood27 mins: It had been coming!
Leeds can’t properly clear their lines from Arsenal’s latest corner and Zubimendi - criticised for his crucial error in last week’s home defeat by Manchester United - escapes unmarked to head Madueke’s cross past Darlow.
That will settle any nerves.
Leeds 0-0 Arsenal
15:27 , George Flood26 mins: Arsenal are piling up the corners here with Leeds totally penned in.
Darlow can’t prevent the latest and there’s more chaos in a crowded six-yard box.
Darlow punches again, Madueke down.
Leeds 0-0 Arsenal
15:25 , George Flood23 mins: Arsenal are peppering the Leeds penalty area with inviting crosses at the moment, but the likes of Struijk are standing firm.
Another Arsenal corner from the right, Darlow meets with a punch.
A rogue touch from Hincapie allows Leeds to clear for an attacking throw-in on the near side.
Leeds 0-0 Arsenal
15:24 , George Flood21 mins: Direct again from Arsenal and it’s a good run from Havertz before Trossard’s low cross from the left is seen away.
The Gunners quickly come again and dangerous cross from the right is nodded behind at the back post for a corner, which is cleared.
Leeds 0-0 Arsenal
15:21 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
“You'll f**k it up" and "second again, ole, ole" are the chants from the Leeds fans at the moment.
Going through the full song book aimed at the Arsenal fans.
Leeds 0-0 Arsenal
15:20 , George Flood17 mins: Very cumbersome from Struijk as he clatters into Gyokeres and receives a ticking off from the referee.
Arsenal are going direct to their centre-forward, who holds it up well with Havertz involved again before a very tight offside call stops Madueke in his tracks.
Leeds 0-0 Arsenal
15:17 , George Flood15 mins: It’s being reported as a left hip injury for Saka.
Here come Arsenal and Gyokeres holds the ball up well, combining nicely with Havertz before Zubimendi’s tame low drive is easily held by Darlow.
A fluid move and much better from Gyokeres.
Leeds 0-0 Arsenal
15:13 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
It was already loud in here and it's getting louder by the minute.
Gyokeres crunched by Rodon and Ampadu then lashes a strike just over the bar. Leeds have started well.
Leeds 0-0 Arsenal
15:13 , George Flood10 mins: Leeds are bang up for this as they sustain more early pressure and Ampadu drills a decent effort over the crossbar after a superb challenge from ex-Spurs man Rodon on Gyokeres, who then barges needlessly into Struijk to concede a cheap free-kick.
Not a good opening from the Arsenal striker.
Leeds 0-0 Arsenal
15:10 , George Flood8 mins: A woeful touch from Gyokeres following a throw-in gifts away possession and leads to a chorus of ironic cheers from the noisy home fans.
Leeds 0-0 Arsenal
15:08 , George Flood6 mins: Gruev’s delivery into the box is repelled by Zubimendi before Leeds force an early corner of their own which is quickly headed clear.
Leeds 0-0 Arsenal
15:05 , George Flood3 mins: A positive start from Arsenal as they put Leeds under plenty of early pressure.
Arteta is already willing them forward on the touchline.
Leeds 0-0 Arsenal
15:04 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
Big shoes for Madueke to fill in plenty of different ways this afternoon but the set-piece delivery is definitely one of them.
Saka is brilliant with those in-swinging corners. Madueke's first corner is easily cleared away at the near post.
Leeds vs Arsenal
15:02 , George FloodUnderway at a rocking Elland Road!
Arsenal in their blue away strips against the all white of Leeds.
Stuart Attwell is the referee, with Jarred Gillett on VAR duty.
Here come the teams
14:58 , George FloodThe teams are out at a noisy Elland Road.
Arsenal must quickly regather their focus after the shock of losing Saka during the warm-up.
Norgaard comes onto the bench for Arsenal and Gabriel is captain.
Madueke replaces injured Saka in Arsenal team
14:52 , George FloodNoni Madueke has indeed replaced Bukayo Saka in the Arsenal starting lineup after the latter was injured during the warm-up at Elland Road.
A major blow for the Gunners on a critical afternoon.
Madueke set to replace injured Saka
14:49 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
Madueke did the last bit of the warm-up with the other outfield players and got his own quick warm-up with one of the coaches.
So it looks pretty certain he's starting.
Will be Norgaard coming into the squad on the bench.
Madueke replacing Saka?
14:42 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
Madueke is now warming up on the right after Saka’s early exit.
Saka leaves Arsenal warm-up with physio
14:41 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
Bit of a concern here for Arsenal. Saka has just left the warm-up early and gone down the tunnel with a physio.
Merino to see specialist over foot injury
14:34 , George FloodHere’s Mikel Arteta speaking pre-match on Mikel Merino’s injury:
“He’s got an issue in his foot,” he said.
“It’s a bone that’s giving him some pain, and we have some exams.
“We need some more specialists to look at it and to see how long he will be out.”
Fan reaction
14:30 , George FloodMeanwhile, a lot of Leeds fans want their side to go on the attack from the outset this afternoon rather than soak up pressure and try to hit Arsenal on the counter...
Get after them today. Match the intensity. Win your battles. If they open you up with quality, you live with it.
— Conor McGilligan (@ConorMcGilligxn) January 31, 2026
But sitting back and accepting the inevitable isn’t acceptable - the sitting ducks tactic. Go after them.#LUFC
Fan reaction
14:29 , George FloodBut the reaction to Arteta’s bold calls is mostly positive and seen as a clear sign of attacking intent this afternoon after such a struggle to score goals from open play during this recent title wobble...
I was scratching my head on what he might do: the Kairat halftime subbing l of both Kai and Gyökeres versus Kairat felt intentional. Havertz has played as a number 10, for Leverkusen and Germany: with Odegaard out of sorts, it’s a bold move, but feels like what we’ve needed. #AFC https://t.co/n46paNjGxq
— 1-0 to the Arsenal (@1NilArsenal) January 31, 2026
Fan reaction
14:27 , George FloodA number of Arsenal fans are also wondering why the club signed Eberechi Eze if he can’t even start when Martin Odegaard is benched...
What does Eze have to do to get a game? #afc @Arsenal
— ‘afcxJordan (@jordanclarke7X_) January 31, 2026
Fan reaction
14:25 , George FloodMixed reaction to that Arsenal team news on social media.
Many see it as Arteta going “full throttle” for what some are calling the most important moment of their season so far...
Looks like Arteta release the handbrake and going full throttle now.
— Yudhistira Gallanto Arbi (@20gallantoarbi) January 31, 2026
It’s do or die though, bc Leeds is on great performances at home, only lost 2/11.
The most important point of our season.
Let’s hope the players are in right mood & take all the 3 points home.#Arsenal #AFC
Injured Merino misses out again for Arsenal
14:20 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
Mikel Merino didn’t train ahead of the Kairat match and he was then suspended for the game. He misses out again here with a foot injury.
No Myles Lewis-Skelly or Christian Norgaard in the Arsenal squad today either.
'Big calls from Arteta in huge moment for Arsenal's season'
14:16 , George FloodHere’s more reaction to that Arsenal team news from Standard Sport’s Gunners correspondent Matt Verri at Elland Road...
🗣️ "Some big calls from Arteta in a huge moment for Arsenal's season."@MattVerri reacts to that Gunners team news at Elland Road
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) January 31, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/X2jP26jc7n#LEEARS | #AFC pic.twitter.com/TXmT8Em8b3
Odegaard benched by Arsenal amid difficult run
14:13 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Elland Road
Martin Odegaard drops to the bench and it’s hard to argue with that on recent form.
Question was then whether it would be Kai Havertz or Eberechi Eze in his place - Havertz’s 45 minutes against Kairat in midweek enough for him to get the nod.
First Premier League start in almost a year.
One Leeds change as Gudmundsson returns
14:06 , George FloodLeeds show just one change from Monday night’s 1-1 draw at Everton in which they dominated the first half and deservedly led through James Justin’s goal before a late equaliser from Thierno Barry.
Swedish defender Gabriel Gudmundsson is passed fit to start after a groin injury and replaces Sebastiaan Bornauw.
No Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol or Dan James, as expected.
Havertz in midfield for Arsenal with Odegaard benched
13:58 , George FloodSo Kai Havertz does indeed start again for Arsenal at Elland Road, but it’s in midfield rather than attack.
He is picked over both Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze as Viktor Gyokeres leads the line.
Jurrien Timber and William Saliba are both fit to return in defence as expected, while Riccardo Calafiori is on the bench with Piero Hincapie at left-back.
The likes of David Raya, Gabriel, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka all return after being rested in midweek.
Leeds lineup
13:52 , George FloodLeeds XI: Darlow, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson, Bogle, Gruev, Stach, Ampadu, Justin, Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin
Subs: Perri, Bornauw, Byram, Longstaff, Tanaka, Buonanotte, Piroe, Okafor, Gnonto
Arsenal lineup
13:49 , George FloodArsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Havertz, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres
Subs: Kepa, White, Calafiori, Mosquera, Odegaard, Eze, Madueke, Martinelli, Jesus
Arteta hails Rice before 300th Premier League appearance
13:41 , George FloodDeclan Rice is in line to make his 300th Premier League appearance this afternoon, aged just 27.
“Especially at the age that he's doing that, I don't know how many players they've done that so early,” Mikel Arteta said of his star midfielder’s significant milestone yesterday.
“So that shows the consistency, the professionalism that he has because to be able to play only at this level is already a big thing but as well the manner and the performances that he's put in throughout those 300 games.”
Calm before the storm at Elland Road
13:37 , George FloodThe calm before the storm at Elland Road, which will be bouncing very soon as usual.
Arsenal could not ask for a better venue in which to silence those who are once again questioning their “bottle” in the title race...
👊 Ready for battle! pic.twitter.com/Du7DfFBLEq
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 31, 2026
Farke confident Leeds can match Arsenal in 'toughest task'
13:32 , George FloodDespite Leeds - fired by a resurgent Dominic Calvert-Lewin -being unbeaten in five at home now and having lost only one of their last 10 in the Premier League overall, they do not have a good record against Arsenal - and that’s putting it mildly.
Per Opta Sports, Arsenal have won the last six Premier League games between the two clubs by an aggregate score of 20-5, scoring nine in the last two contests alone.
Leeds have not won any of the last six at home to the Gunners in the league, with three of their four defeats in that span ending 4-1.
You’d have to go all the way back to November 2000 for Leeds’ last home league win against Arsenal, when Olivier Dacourt’s deflected free-kick gave the hosts all three points in front of new signing Rio Ferdinand.
Despite that thoroughly one-sided recent history, Daniel Farke knows his side are a match for anyone at Elland Road - as the likes of Chelsea have already found out to their cost this term.
“One of the toughest tasks you can have, but we also know that if we are at our very best, especially at home at Elland Road, we can fight for points against any team,” he said.
“We know we need an outstanding day to have a chance but we know we are capable of doing this.”
Arteta focusing on positives amid Arsenal title wobble
13:17 , George FloodMikel Arteta has managed to keep a cool head amid Arsenal’s recent title wobble, revealing they held a “beautiful” team meeting after a shock home defeat by Manchester United that he mostly attributed to two excellent goals from Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha.
He has not been reading his team the riot act or placing any individual blame, instead remaining positive and repeatedly pointing to the significant progress made over recent years as they continue to fight for trophies on all four fronts during what could yet turn out to be a very special season indeed.
“It’s just understanding where you are,” he said.
“Certainly when you lose a game, you have a lot of feelings because especially the group of players are so competitive and they seek for excellence and when you don’t reach it, you ask yourself questions and we did that.
“But I think my role is to bring optimism and reality of where we are.
“Our club has a long, long history and to find a moment when in February, we’re in the position that we are is very difficult to find.
“So we are doing so many things so well and let’s focus mainly on that.
“For sure we want to improve, we want to be better in every area, but with that sense of self-confidence and conviction that we are on the right path.”
Arteta: Havertz ready to start again for Arsenal
13:08 , George FloodThe sight of Kai Havertz terrorising an overmatched Kairat defence in midweek on his first start in over a year will have delighted Arsenal fans, before he went off at the break as part of a pre-planned change designed to manage his fitness.
It seems likely that his starts will be carefully handpicked for a while yet and an impact role off the bench behind Viktor Gyokeres seems most likely today, though Mikel Arteta insists the German is ready to feature from the off once more if required.
“He is ready,” the Gunners boss said yesterday.
“Obviously he started the other day, it’s been a long period and now we need to manage that load and the games that we’re going to select for him to start.
“But there was no reaction to that, I think it was super positive, you could see straightaway the impact that he can have in the team.
“So yes, he’s ready.”
Arsenal plot Leeds repeat as Arteta eyes momentum shift
13:00 , George FloodArsenal's 5-0 win over Leeds feels a long, long time ago, writes Matt Verri.
The sun was shining, Viktor Gyokeres feasted on weaker opposition, and the Gunners were having fun.
Gyokeres has had a slight upturn in form, improving on a dismal run heading into and over the festive period, but you would struggle to argue that any of those three factors still feel relevant.
Five months later and Arsenal, as they were at the end of that August afternoon, are top of the Premier League table.
The mood, though is very different.
The heat has been turned up, every touch, pass and shot carrying more weight by the week as the title race builds to a crescendo.
Read the full match preview here
Leeds vs Arsenal prediction
12:51 , George FloodArsenal away from the Premier League grind seem to be a totally different proposition, but after three games without a win and no goals from open play, the pressure is on to get all three points here.
Leeds are on a good run at home and will fancy their chances of making things difficult for the Gunners, but we expect the visitors to battle their way to a crucial win.
Arsenal to win, 2-1.
Arsenal team news
12:48 , George FloodMikel Arteta has almost a full Arsenal squad to choose from today after confirming that defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are both fit having been rested completely for Wednesday night’s Champions League dead-rubber against Kairat due to small niggles.
Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz both started and played the first half of that eventful 3-2 home win, the latter for the first time in 357 days following knee and hamstring injuries as he registered a goal and an assist inside 15 minutes to hand his manager another attacking dilemma.
Arsenal’s only known injury absentee is now Max Dowman, who is on the comeback trail himself following ankle ligament damage.
The likes of David Raya, Gabriel, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi were also rested in midweek and should return to the starting lineup here.
Leeds team news
12:41 , George FloodThere is no Lukas Nmecha for Leeds this afternoon due to a hamstring injury suffered in the warm-up before Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Everton that saw the German forward left on the bench on Merseyside.
The game will come too soon for Slovenian defender Jaka Bijol in his recovery from a hamstring problem, while left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson is still a doubt following a groin issue.
Winger Dan James is building up his fitness after missing two months of action with his own hamstring injury.
How to watch Leeds vs Arsenal
12:33 , George FloodTV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live as it lands during the 3pm Saturday blackout.
Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from 5.15pm GMT with Match of the Day broadcasting tonight on BBC One at 10.25pm.
Leeds vs Arsenal live
12:29 , George FloodArsenal head to Leeds this afternoon hoping to get back to winning ways in the title race.
A run of three Premier League games without a victory, including a first home defeat of the season by resurgent Manchester United last weekend, has led to more questions over the Gunners’ title mettle and given renewed hope to rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa.
With the gap at the top now down to four points with 15 matches still to play, Mikel Arteta will be desperate for his side to reassert some authority in Yorkshire against a team they demolished 5-0 at home back in August.
However, they should face a much tougher test this time around, with Daniel Farke’s team - who sit 16th and six points clear of the relegation zone - unbeaten in five at home and having lost only one of their last 10 games in the top-flight.
Kick-off is at 3pm GMT, so stay tuned for match build-up, team news and live game updates, including expert insight and analysis from Standard Sport’s Arsenal correspondent Matt Verri at what is sure to be a raucous Elland Road.
