Arsenal came back from a goal down to defeat strong opponents and reset their form after a lengthy international break. The Gunners were not great against Leeds, and the defence continues to look more vulnerable than last season, but the impact from their bench and the belief that roared through the team after they forced an equaliser suggested they have acquired the resilience of champions. Or as the home support put it: “we know who we are.”
The Gunners had five Englishmen in their starting line-up, the first time that had happened since 1999. Daniel Farke, meanwhile, selected the same Leeds side as he had for the previous three matches. Some had predicted a goal-fest, others another upset for the champions. There was a real sense of uncertainty as to the outcome as this match began.
