Marcelo Bielsa has told Sky Sports why he feels Arsenal are growing stronger and moving back to their natural image ahead of Leeds United hosting Mikel Arteta’s side on Saturday.
The Gunners will arrive at Elland Road seeking to maintain their spot in the Premier League top-four. The north Londoners overtook West Ham United for the last Champions League place with a 2-0 win at home to David Moyes’ Hammers on Wednesday night.
Leeds held Arsenal to a goalless draw when the two sides met in West Yorkshire last term. But Arteta’s men won the Emirates Stadium meeting 4-2, and also eliminated the Whites from this season’s Carabao Cup.
Arsenal have not lost to Leeds in any competition since May 2003 and at Elland Road since November 2000. The Gunners are unbeaten in six visits, featuring four wins and two draws.
Leeds boss Bielsa explains why Arsenal are getting stronger
Bielsa will be expecting a tough test for his Leeds players when Arteta’s Arsenal visit Elland Road this weekend. The Argentine believes the Gunners are growing stronger as they are finding consistency again, having endured some tough periods.
“Arsenal are an established team that is growing stronger,” Bielsa said. “They always play the same way, but they are capable of changing things up if necessary. They do play in a defined style on the whole and there’s an individuality about them.
“In the past, they have experienced a period of turbulence and they are becoming more consistent. What’s happening now is that [they] are moving towards a more established way of playing. One that is more stable, more traditional and closer to their natural image.”
Arsenal have enjoyed their most success at home this season, but are still searching for consistency on the road. For points taken on home soil, the Gunners and Manchester City have both claimed the most with 22 of 27. Leeds, meanwhile, have only taken 10 from 24.
However, away from home, Arteta’s side have only claimed seven of a possible 24 points from eight trips. Leeds have also struggled on the road with six of a possible 27 points.
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