Arteta’s 9 Arsenal Changes vs Leeds: Gyokeres, Martinelli Stay

Key Points

• Arsenal face Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon, aiming to end a three-match winless Premier League run (two draws, one defeat), which has cut their lead at the top to four points ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa.
• A win could extend Arsenal’s advantage to seven points temporarily, as Man City and Villa play on Sunday.
• Manager Mikel Arteta expected to make at least nine changes from the midweek 3-2 Champions League win over Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium.
• Goalkeeper David Raya set to return after resting; he leads the Premier League Golden Glove race with 11 shutouts, replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga who debuted but conceded.
• Defence to revert to regulars: Jurrien Timber (right-back), William Saliba (returning from niggle), Gabriel Magalhaes, and Piero Hincapie (left-back); Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, and Myles Lewis-Skelly likely benched.
• Calafiori rusty on injury return midweek, conceding a penalty and showing nerves, needing more training time.
• Midfield overhaul: Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice return (Zubimendi unused sub, Rice suspended); Christian Norgaard and Eberechi Eze drop out.
• Kai Havertz scored and assisted vs Kairat but subbed at half-time; Martin Odegaard likely keeps attacking midfield spot over Havertz, whose workload needs managing amid higher intensity expected vs Leeds.
• Attack sees one change: Noni Madueke wasteful vs Kairat, replaced by Bukayo Saka on right wing.
• Viktor Gyokeres retains place with four goal contributions in last five games, vital physical presence vs Leeds’ three-man backline.
• Gabriel Martinelli preferred over Leandro Trossard on left, with four goal involvements in last four starts vs Leeds; noted as Arsenal’s £6 million signing.

Arsenal (North London News) January 30, 2026 – Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they face Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon, with manager Mikel Arteta poised to make nine changes from the midweek Champions League victory, as reported in the original coverage from Gooner Talk.

The Gunners sit just four points clear at the top after three league games without a win—two draws and a defeat—narrowing their once-comfortable lead over chasers Manchester City and Aston Villa. A victory at Leeds would push that gap back to seven points temporarily, given City and Villa’s fixtures fall on Sunday. This anticipated squad rotation follows the 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium in Europe.

What Changes Is Mikel Arteta Planning in Goal?

David Raya was completely rested for the midweek European tie, where Kepa Arrizabalaga made his Champions League debut for Arsenal but failed to keep a clean sheet. Raya is set to reclaim his spot between the posts for the north London giants. He currently leads the Premier League Golden Glove race with 11 shutouts and will target another against Leeds United.

Why Will Arsenal Revert to a Regular Defence?

Jurrien Timber and William Saliba sat out Wednesday due to minor niggles but are widely expected to return for the Premier League clash. Gabriel Magalhaes and Piero Hincapie are also likely starters. Timber and Hincapie should feature at right-back and left-back respectively, with Saliba partnering Gabriel at centre-back. Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, and Myles Lewis-Skelly are poised to drop to the bench.

Riccardo Calafiori appeared rusty upon his injury comeback midweek, conceding an early penalty and experiencing further nervous moments. He may need additional training before resuming regular starts at left-back.

How Will the Midfield Be Overhauled?

Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice are guaranteed returns against Leeds. Zubimendi was an unused substitute in midweek, while Rice served a suspension alongside Mikel Merino. Christian Norgaard and Eberechi Eze will make way for the established pairing.

Kai Havertz flourished against Kairat with a goal and an assist before his planned half-time withdrawal. Martin Odegaard replaced him at the interval and is likely to retain his place as captain and attacking midfielder, despite Havertz starting for the first time in 357 days. Havertz’s workload must be managed carefully. With Leeds expected to bring higher intensity and physicality, Arteta could limit the playmaker to a cameo after the hour mark.

What Stays the Same Up Front?

Only one change is anticipated in attack. Noni Madueke was wasteful against Kairat, delivering several overcooked passes and falling short of his usual standards; he should step aside for Bukayo Saka on the right wing.

The rest of the forward line could remain intact. Viktor Gyokeres has notched four goal contributions in his last five outings. His robust physical presence is deemed essential up top against Leeds’ three-man backline.

Leandro Trossard has been the league regular on the left, but Gabriel Martinelli’s pace is favoured here. The £6 million signing boasts four goal involvements across his last four starts versus Leeds.

What Is Arsenal’s Recent Form Driving This?

Arsenal’s winless streak in the Premier League—three matches comprising two draws and one loss—has eroded their summit advantage. Previously dominant, the Gunners now hold a slender four-point buffer over Manchester City and Aston Villa. The Elland Road trip represents a prime chance to reassert authority, especially with rivals idle until Sunday.

Arteta’s rotation strategy underscores balancing squad freshness amid a congested schedule. The Champions League exertions against Kairat, though victorious, exposed vulnerabilities, notably in defence and from fringe players like Madueke and Calafiori.

Who Are the Key Players Retaining Places?

Viktor Gyokeres stands out for consistency, his recent form (four contributions in five games) making him indispensable against Leeds’ defensive setup. Similarly, Gabriel Martinelli’s proven record at this fixture—four goal involvements in four—tips the scales over Trossard.

Martin Odegaard’s leadership as captain further cements his role, even as Havertz impresses. Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi’s return restores midfield steel, vital for containing Leeds’ press.

How Does This Fit Arteta’s Rotation Philosophy?

Mikel Arteta has long championed squad depth, particularly in high-stakes periods. Resting Raya midweek preserved his Golden Glove bid, while niggle recoveries for Timber and Saliba prioritise defensive solidity. The nine changes reflect trust in core starters for domestic tests, managing minutes for Havertz amid injury history.

This approach mirrors past successes, blending youth like Lewis-Skelly with experience, though Calafiori’s midweek lapse signals caution.

What Challenges Lie Ahead at Elland Road?

Leeds United, known for Elland Road intensity, pose a stern examination. Their three-at-the-back system demands physicality, hence Gyokeres’ retention. Arsenal’s recent draws highlight vulnerability to resilient opponents; a win here halts momentum loss.

City and Villa loom large—four points adrift but with games in hand effectively. Extending to seven buys breathing room before Sunday’s outcomes.

Broader Context for Arsenal’s Season

Arsenal’s campaign blends Premier League title defence with Champions League progression. The Kairat win advanced Europe but at a cost—exposing rotation risks. Raya’s 11 clean sheets anchor title credentials, yet winless league run underscores pressure.

Arteta’s tweaks aim to reignite fluency. Saka’s return bolsters width, Rice-Zubimendi control, and Saliba-Gabriel imperiousness. Gyokeres and Martinelli add penetration.

Player Spotlights and Form Guides

David Raya’s Golden Glove lead (11 shutouts) exemplifies reliability; his return stabilises. Jurrien Timber’s versatility at right-back complements Hincapie’s left-sided balance.

Declan Rice’s suspension absence highlighted his pivot role. Viktor Gyokeres’ hot streak contrasts Madueke’s off-day. Gabriel Martinelli’s Leeds affinity (four involvements) evokes his £6m bargain status since 2019.

Kai Havertz, starting after 357 days, dazzled briefly but rotation beckons. Martin Odegaard’s captaincy endures.

Implications for Title Race

A Leeds triumph vaults Arsenal seven clear temporarily, pressuring City and Villa. Failure risks parity, intensifying the chase. Arteta’s changes test depth without dilution.

Leeds, battling relegation or playoffs, relish upsets. Arsenal’s response defines mettle.

Looking Ahead

Saturday’s kick-off tests Arsenal’s resolve. Nine changes signal intent: reclaim winning thread, fortify lead. Raya eyes shutout 12; Gyokeres, Martinelli threaten. North London watches.