Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal got a rude return to the Premier League as Leeds defended well and threatened, too, but the manager’s reaction was positive after a 2-1 comeback win at the Emirates Stadium in North London on Saturday.
That’s especially true when you hear Arteta describe the lofty challenge he put upon his men to bounce back from a loss to Brighton.
MORE — Arsenal vs Leeds recap, video highlights
“We wanted to prove we are something special and unique,” Arteta said, days after signing a new deal in North London.
The Gunners were in danger of dropping points in consecutive matches when James Justin defied David Raya and Gabriel Magalhaes to give Leeds a deserved second-half lead.
And Leeds looked set to move into the top four! But Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimaraes scored eight minutes apart to put the champions on top and in control of the three points.
That’s a bigger story as Arsenal are widely expected to defend their Premier League crown.
Mikel Arteta reaction — Arsenal manager speaks after tense visit from Leeds
Huge bounce back performance? “Before the game we talked about two things: the challenge ahead against a team that hadn’t lost in the Premier League and the second to restore our identity. We weren’t please about what we did against Brighton and today we had a chance to make it right. We wanted to prove we are something special and unique.”
Why are Leeds so difficult? “They are very physical and committed in what we do. We didn’t finish in some great areas in the first half and they kept running. It’s incredible the way they attack the box. They could’ve punished us in one or two moments in the first half and then they did. It’s a good testament to the league.”
“When you play 12:30 at home and go 1-0 down, you have to restore a lot of things and energy is one of them. The finishers came in and made a big difference.”
Subs played a huge role in win: “First of all, we brought a lot of leadership in those three players. We brought goal threat and people who can win duels, people who can play forward and penetrate against this high press.”
