Farke sees Arsenal test as chance to measure Leeds progress

The Farke Leeds Arsenal message is that Saturday’s trip is a chance to measure progress, even as the manager warns that the timing could hardly be tougher.

Speaking ahead of Saturday 10^th October’s visit to the Emirates, Daniel Farke said Leeds United would travel with respect but without fear. His side return to Premier League action unbeaten and fifth in the table.

Farke Leeds Arsenal test: a chance to show progress

Last season’s two meetings give Leeds a clear benchmark. Arsenal won 5-0 away from home and 4-0 at Elland Road, results Farke regards as different from the broader picture of Leeds’ season.

In the club’s official interview, he said: “It’s a good chance to see if we have edged a bit closer and are also competitive in such a game.”

The Emirates Stadium, where Leeds visit on Saturday.

He did not claim the early league position makes Leeds favourites. Instead, he pointed to their results over a longer stretch as evidence that their improvement is not an accident, while maintaining that Arsenal remain the favourites going into this meeting.

Why Arsenal’s last result adds to the challenge

In the Farke Leeds Arsenal build-up, he highlighted Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton in their previous league match as a warning rather than a reason to expect an easier afternoon.

He expects a response from Mikel Arteta’s team, saying a side that has fallen below its best can be even more determined to put that right in its next game. He also expects a lively home crowd following the announcement of Arteta’s contract.

“It’s the worst possible moment to play such a game but you can’t pick and you take it,” Farke said.

His point is about the challenge awaiting Leeds, not a prediction that Arsenal are guaranteed to win. He wants the match to show how far his team have come since the previous campaign.

Respectful, but without fear

The Farke Leeds Arsenal message is to compete for points, rather than simply accept the underdog label. Leeds’ unbeaten start gives them a platform, but last season’s results show why the test is a demanding one.

“We travel respectful, but not with fear, and want to show a good performance. And we also want to fight for the points,” he said.

The Farke Leeds Arsenal comments sit alongside Thursday’s Leeds squad update on James, Bahoya and Wilson. They do not change the availability information in that report or confirm Saturday’s starting line-up.

For the match time and broadcaster ahead of the Farke Leeds Arsenal clash, see our Arsenal v Leeds UK viewing guide.

Featured photo: Daniel Farke at Leeds United’s Championship title parade, 5th May 2025. Credit: Catbabylon via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped. Emirates Stadium photo: Julian Osley via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0, cropped.