A win would put you four points ahead of City before they play Liverpool. How important would that be?
Now, honestly the trick is how we’re going to prepare for Leeds. Mentally, physically, it’s going to be a battle. We know the way they play, how intense it’s going to be, the crowd they have. It’s going to be a challenge and we have to be at our best again to win there.
Is this the time of the season where the Sunday-Thursday schedule bites?
Well it’s going to be here but I think after the World Cup it’s going to be even worse. So I think it’s good preparation for what’s coming.
What if any preparation can you give to the guys who played 90 minutes tonight?
Give them the ideas, some video, get them active, recover them well and that’s it. No more. There is no time. We have to travel back to London and travel to Leeds.
READ MORE: Takehiro Tomiyasu’s Leeds selection and the Arsenal tactical question Mikel Arteta must answer
So they won't train?
No, we will have an activation obviously on Saturday but really a training session is not possible.
Do you feel the team are better prepared for an atmosphere like Elland Road than they have been previosuly?
I think so but last year it was incredible even when we were winning 3-0. That crowd is something I’ve never seen before. You can sense every time I’m watching them, you can hear them also. You know how it’s going to be.
What do you expect from them this season?
I think with Jesse, the teams they’ve played, it’s very clear what he wants to do. Really intense and dynamic team, really good teams every time they have spaces to attack. It’s some similarities, obviously every coach has his own book but what Jesse has done I think, in the time he’s been there, is really impressive.
Are you expecting Jesus to play?
I don’t know. Obviously he had some discomfort after the game against Liverpool. That’s why we decided not to bring him today. Let’s see how he is between tomorrow and Saturday.
Same question for Zinchenko?
I think so. With Alex, I don’t know, he has not been on the pitch yet. So we have to be a little bit calm.
READ NEXT:
Granit Xhaka Arsenal contract state of play as Mikel Arteta faces future midfield dilemma
Why Granit Xhaka shouted at Matt Turner as Mikel Arteta's Arsenal prediction is proved right
Why Fabio Vieira shouted at Reiss Nelson, Turner half-time drill: Arsenal moments missed vs Bodo
Turner, Nelson and Mikel Arteta’s relief – Arsenal winners and losers after Bodo/Glimt victory
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
