Arsenal's set-piece scenarios were their saving grace when their open-play sequences failed; this was a recurring theme from the 2024–25 campaign, and it was especially true for Arteta at Old Trafford on the first Premier League weekend.
Although the Gooners will not be deluded that their charges were lucky to escape with the most, as a Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha-reinforced Man United huffed and puffed all game, Riccardo Calafiori took advantage of some dubious goalkeeping from Man United number two Altay Bayindir to make the difference.
But Arsenal defeated Man United 1-0 away from home for the sixth time in Premier League history, thanks to the Red Devils' wasteful finishing and David Raya's usual heroics. The Gunners' unbeaten streak against the traditional 'Big Six' in the top flight now stands at an incredible 22 games.
The silver medallists, who are continuing their 2024–25 winning streak, have won three straight Premier League games, but all of those wins have only been by one goal. In addition, their last home victory by two goals or more occurred more than six months ago in a 5-1 thumping of Manchester City.
Arsenal, however, will make history with even a narrow victory; they are undefeated in 42 consecutive Premier League home games against recently promoted teams, one fewer than the record set by Chelsea between 2001 and 2015.
Calafiori's goal for Arsenal was one of several officiating calls that were questioned during the first weekend; some believed that William Saliba was unlawfully interfering with Bayindir's play. Controversy also surfaced when Leeds met Everton on their Premier League homecoming.
After James Tarkowski was given a handball penalty, Lukas Nmecha's calm penalty ended the match. The Everton defender had previously used his arm—albeit at his side rather than in an awkward position—to prevent a goal-bound attempt.
For the first time since 2002, Leeds would win their first two Premier League games of the season in North London this weekend. However, trips to the capital are usually unsuccessful; they have lost their last seven Premier League games played there.
In addition, Arsenal has won six straight games against the Whites in all competitions and has won all 14 of its meetings with the visitors; their most recent victory in this matchup was in 2003 at Highbury.
Team Form and Context
Both teams bring unique stories to the Premier League Matchweek 2 match between Arsenal and Leeds United on August 23, 2025, at Emirates Stadium. Leeds, just promoted from the EFL Championship, wants to establish themselves in the top division, while Arsenal is competing for a long-awaited Premier League championship.
Arsenal:
Recent Form: Arsenal kicked off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2025.
The performance was described on X as “disjointed” and reliant on goalkeeper David Raya’s heroics, with a lack of attacking fluidity noted despite the clean sheet and three points.
Pre-season results were mixed, reflecting both promise and areas for improvement:
Wins: 1-0 vs. AC Milan, 3-2 vs. Newcastle, 3-0 vs. Athletic Club.
Losses: 0-1 vs. Tottenham, 2-3 vs. Villarreal.
Draw: 1-1 vs. Manchester United.
Their pre-season showcased new signing Viktor Gyökeres’ potential (scoring against Athletic Club) but also highlighted ongoing concerns about their attacking consistency against varied opposition.
Season Objectives: After finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons (2022/23, 2023/24, 2024/25), Arsenal are under intense pressure to end their 20-year title drought, last won in 2003/04. Manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized consistency, particularly against mid-table and newly promoted sides, where Arsenal struggled last season, winning only 33.3% of matches against mid-table teams (per web analytics).
The addition of players like Gyökeres, Riccardo Calafiori, and Martin Zubimendi signals ambition, but integrating these signings into Arteta’s system remains a work in progress, as evidenced by their labored performance against United.
Arsenal’s home form is a major strength, with 11 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss at Emirates Stadium in the 2024/25 Premier League season, making them favorites against Leeds.
Tactical Context: Arsenal typically deploy a 4-3-3, emphasizing possession (averaging 58% last season) and set-piece dominance (league-leading 22 set-piece goals in 2024/25). Their defense, anchored by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, conceded the fewest goals in the league last season (29 in 38 matches).
However, their attack needs sharpening after scoring just once against Manchester United. Posts on X suggest fans are concerned about Gyökeres’ slow start and Bukayo Saka’s long-term form, though Martin Ødegaard’s leadership and Declan Rice’s midfield control provide stability.
The match against Leeds offers a chance to exploit a high-pressing side with a potentially depleted defense, but Arsenal must avoid complacency, as they dropped points against promoted teams like Southampton last season.
Leeds United:
Recent Form: Leeds secured promotion by winning the 2024/25 EFL Championship with 95 goals scored, the highest among promoted teams, showcasing their attacking prowess. Their Premier League campaign began with a promising draw against Everton in Matchweek 1, where they outplayed their opponents in spells, according to match reports.
Pre-season results included a notable draw against Manchester United, indicating their ability to compete with top-tier sides. However, their attacking output has relied heavily on a few key players, and their defensive solidity is yet to be tested against elite opposition like Arsenal.
Posts on X highlight Leeds’ pace and energy, with fans optimistic about their attacking intent but cautious about their thin squad depth, especially in attack.
Season Objectives: As a newly promoted side, Leeds’ primary goal is Premier League survival, with betting markets giving them a 92% chance of relegation, per web sources. Manager Daniel Farke, who guided Norwich to promotion in 2019 and 2021, is tasked with defying these odds by leveraging his Championship-winning experience.
Leeds aim to establish themselves as a competitive mid-table side, using their high-energy, transition-heavy style to catch opponents off guard. Their 95 Championship goals suggest they can score, but their defensive record (conceding 41 goals in 46 matches) raises concerns against Arsenal’s potent attack.
The potential departure of forwards Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford before the transfer window closes could further strain their attacking resources, making new signings like Dominic Calvert-Lewin critical.
Tactical Context: Leeds are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, focusing on quick transitions and high pressing, with Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe driving their attacking play. Their pace on the flanks, potentially from Dan James or Jack Harrison (if fit), could exploit Arsenal’s high defensive line, as noted in X discussions.
Defensively, the absence of Pascal Struijk (broken foot) weakens their backline, and new signings Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw are still adapting to Farke’s system. Their ability to withstand Arsenal’s set-piece threat and possession dominance will be crucial.
Leeds’ Championship success was built on outscoring opponents, but their lack of Premier League experience and limited squad depth could be exposed at Emirates, especially if injuries to James and Harrison persist.
Head-to-Head (H2H)
Overall: In 125 meetings across all competitions, Arsenal lead with 49 wins to Leeds’ 41, with 35 draws.
Premier League: Since 2000, Arsenal have won 7 of 11 matches, with 3 draws and 1 Leeds victory (May 2003, 3-2).
At Emirates: Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 14 home games against Leeds (12 wins, 2 draws), scoring an average of 2.6 goals per game to Leeds’ 0.6.
Recent Form: Arsenal have won their last six encounters, including a 4-1 thrashing in April 2023. Both teams scored in three of the last five meetings, but Arsenal have kept clean sheets in two of their last three home games against Leeds.
Betting Tips and Odds
Arsenal’s dominance and home form make them heavy favorites, but Leeds’ counter-attacking threat adds intrigue. Below are updated odds (sourced from bet365, Betway, and William Hill, correct as of August 22, 2025) and betting tips:
Match Odds (90-Minute Money Line):
Arsenal Win: -200 (bet365) / -188 (Betway)
Draw: +320 (bet365) / +333 (William Hill)
Leeds Win: +500 (bet365) / +550 (FanDuel)
Betting Tips:
Arsenal to Win & Both Teams to Score (+220, bet365): Arsenal’s six consecutive wins over Leeds and their home strength suggest a victory, but Leeds’ 95 Championship goals and pacey players like Piroe could see them score.
Viktor Gyökeres to Score Anytime (+120, Betfred): Gyökeres’ pedigree (97 goals in 102 games for Sporting) and Leeds’ defensive absences make him a strong candidate to score.
Over 2.5 Goals (-150, Betway): Three of the last four Emirates meetings exceeded 2.5 goals, and Leeds’ attacking style could lead to an open game.
Bukayo Saka to Score or Assist (-110, bet365): Saka’s 12 goals and 10 assists last season, plus his record against Leeds, make this a safe bet.
Additional Markets:
Corners Under 10.5 (+100, 1xbet): Leeds hit this line in five of their last seven games.
Yellow Cards Under 4.5 (-120, 1xbet): Recent head-to-heads have been low on cards.
Correct Score – Arsenal 3-1 (+1200, bet365): Reflects Arsenal’s multi-goal home wins and Leeds’ potential to nick a goal.
Prediction:
Leeds should be defeated by Arsenal due to their home record, defensive sturdiness, and historical advantage, but the visitors' speed and attacking desire may make it close. Posts on X stress that Arsenal must get off to a fast start in order to avoid being overtaken by Leeds' changes. Arsenal is expected to win 3-1 thanks to Gyökeres and Saka, but Leeds could take advantage of a defensive slip through Calvert-Lewin or Piroe.