- Main Players Comparison
Arsenal
Departures: Thomas Partey (4G, 2A – defensive balance lost).
Injury Note: Kai Havertz (9G, 3A) out with knee injury, reducing Arsenal’s attacking-midfield/forward link play.
Core Defensive Unit: Saliba (3,042 mins, 2A), Gabriel (3G, 1A), Timber (2,423 mins, 1G, 3A).
Midfield Spine: Declan Rice (4G, 7A – leader), Ødegaard (3G, 8A – creative playmaker).
Attack: Saka (6G, 10A), Martinelli (8G, 4A), Trossard (8G, 7A), Gyökeres (new focal point).
Goalkeeper: Raya (38 apps, 3,420 mins).
Impact: Havertz injury reduces flexibility and late runs from midfield – Arsenal still strong, but more pressure on Gyökeres and Saka to deliver goals.
Leeds United
Departures: Firpo (LB), Wöber (CB), Solomon (LW), Rothwell (CM), Gelhardt/Joseph (forwards).
Key Opening Player: Ao Tanaka (box-to-box midfielder, standout in season opener – dictated tempo, pressed high, created chances).
Core Additions: Stach, Bijol, Calvert-Lewin, Longstaff, Gudmundsson.
Impact: Ao Tanaka’s emergence makes Leeds’ midfield much more competitive – pairing with Stach and Longstaff could challenge Arsenal’s control.
- New Players Comparison
Arsenal
Zubimendi (2G, 1A – DM stability).
Gyökeres (expected striker leader).
Madueke (7G, 3A – wide threat).
Mosquera (37 apps – defensive depth).
Nørgaard (5G, 4A – midfield control).
Kepa (GK depth).
Impact: Reinforcements across all lines, but Havertz absence weakens immediate chemistry in attack.
Leeds United
Stach (defensive midfield).
Bijol (CB).
Lucas Perri (GK).
Calvert-Lewin (CF, proven PL scorer).
Longstaff (CM – stability, experience).
Gudmundsson (LB cover).
Harrison (LW, returnee).
Tanaka (new midfield centerpiece – impact player).
Impact: Leeds’ rebuild looks cohesive, and Tanaka’s breakthrough adds dynamism. Calvert-Lewin key for goals.
- Substitutes Comparison
Arsenal
Merino (7G, 2A – midfield scoring).
Lewis-Skelly (young LB).
Ben White (2A – versatile defender).
Kiwior (1G – depth).
Calafiori (2G, 1A – defender).
Nwaneri (4G, 2A – emerging playmaker).
Jesus (3G – rotation forward).
Zinchenko (1A – tactical LB/CM).
Impact: Still excellent depth, but Havertz absence reduces attacking midfield punch off the bench.
Leeds United
Greenwood, Harrison, Nmecha – attacking rotation.
Bornauw – defensive option.
Perri – GK.
Impact: Depth less proven at elite level, but better balance than last season.
- Consolidated Quality Scorecard
| Category |
Arsenal |
Leeds United |
| Main Players |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Havertz injury reduces edge) |
⭐⭐⭐ (Tanaka boost, but still less proven depth) |
| New Players |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Zubimendi, Gyökeres, Madueke) |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Calvert-Lewin + Tanaka impact + defensive reinforcements) |
| Substitutes |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Jesus, Merino, Nwaneri, Zinchenko) |
⭐⭐ (youth-heavy, limited top-tier output) |
| Attack |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Gyökeres, Saka, Martinelli, but Havertz loss hurts) |
⭐⭐⭐ (Calvert-Lewin focal point, Harrison support, Tanaka creativity) |
| Defense/GK |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Saliba, Gabriel, Raya + Mosquera) |
⭐⭐⭐ (Bijol, Bornauw help, but cohesion untested) |
| Overall Depth |
Strong, slightly reduced by Havertz injury |
Solid but transitional |
| Key Weakness |
No Havertz = fewer late runs & versatility |
Dependence on Tanaka & Calvert-Lewin |
- Predicted Outcome
Tactical Outlook:
- Arsenal: Will rely on Rice–Zubimendi axis for control, Ødegaard for creativity, and Saka–Martinelli–Gyökeres for scoring. Lack of Havertz’s late runs may make Arsenal more predictable.
- Leeds: Tanaka’s breakout gives them real midfield bite. If Calvert-Lewin is supplied well, Leeds could pose more threat than expected.
Expected Scoreline:
Arsenal 2 – 1 Leeds United
Arsenal still stronger overall, but Havertz absence narrows the margin. Tanaka’s influence ensures Leeds stay competitive.