Mikel Arteta has stated that Arsenal’s EFL Cup fourth-round tie against Leeds United is going to be a ‘big match’, as he told his post-match press conference.
Leeds knocked out Fulham via penalties on Tuesday night, with Arsenal beating AFC Wimbledon by three goals the following day.
All of that has now set up an all-Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium for the next round of the draw.
It wasn’t long after the final whistle that the draw was being made and Arteta was in the middle of his press conference discussing his side’s performance against the League One outfit.
That’s when he was told about the Leeds draw and this is what he had to say.
“Well, I just find out, so we have experienced that one and we know how tough it’s going to be,” said Arteta.
“So, it’s going to be a big match.”
A certain Eddie Nketiah – who was on loan at Leeds during their days in the Championship – was on the scoresheet yesterday after he was handed a rare start.
Given that both Arteta and Marcelo Bielsa made several changes to their squads this week, it will be interesting to see if that continues when they lock horns with one another in the next round.
The last time Leeds travelled to the Emirates, the home side put three goals past them in the first half and ended up winning the contest 4-2.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang walked away with the match ball that day and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Arteta throws him into the XI when they visit again next month.
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