James warns Leeds not to lose focus ahead of Arsenal match despite unbeaten start

Dan James has cautioned Leeds United to stay grounded despite their unbeaten beginning in the Premier League season as they gear up to face champions Arsenal on Saturday.

Leeds remains one of five teams that have not lost in the league this season, with two wins and three draws from their initial five games.

They entered the recent international break after a goalless draw against Crystal Palace, following an impressive 4-1 victory over Newcastle in their prior match.

James, who participated in three out of four Nations League games for Wales during the break, stated that the players around Daniel Farke’s team are focused and prepared for their upcoming challenge at the Emirates Stadium.

“It’s a long season. We’ve started well, but it’s easy to become complacent,” James mentioned to LUTV. “However, we have strong opponents ahead, and we must approach every match with the right mindset. This league is unpredictable; any team can win on the day.”

“Our squad is fantastic. Winning games boosts morale, and our new signings contribute significantly to that dynamic. Success on the pitch reinforces our drive to keep improving,” he added.

@Daniel_James_97 https://t.co/zb0gJKLk1K

— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 1, 2026

This marks the first instance since the 2019-20 season that Leeds has begun a league campaign unbeaten in their first five matches, a feat achieved during their Championship title under Marcelo Bielsa. James noted that a strong start was a key objective after finishing the previous season on a high.

“We’ve set a high benchmark, and it’s essential to build on this in the next five matches before the subsequent international break. We are determined to make progress,” he continued. “We face tough challenges ahead, but we firmly believe we can perform well in every game.”

On the other hand, Arsenal recently suffered a 3-0 defeat to Brighton, despite starting their title defense with four consecutive wins.

Gunners midfielder Eberechi Eze, who has not yet started a Premier League match this season, expressed his willingness to play in either a central or left-wing position to increase his playing time. “I don’t have a preference; both positions present different challenges,” he told BBC Sport after England’s 3-0 victory over Czechia. “I enjoy the creativity involved in both roles.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal – Martin Odegaard

Odegaard has scored in both of Arsenal’s home Premier League fixtures this season, and with teammate Kai Havertz sidelined due to injury, he may emerge as a key attacking threat. Having netted only once across all competitions in the last season, he’s already found the net four times this campaign.

Leeds United – Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Calvert-Lewin ranks among the top 10 for aerial duels won (24), runs ending in the box (33), and high-intensity pressures in the opposition half (187) this season, alongside Everton’s Thierno Barry. He’s scored three goals in his last five appearances for Leeds and made two substitute appearances for England during the international break.

MATCH PREDICTION – ARSENAL WIN

Arsenal has triumphed in nine of their last ten Premier League encounters with Leeds (D1), including all of the last seven matches, yielding a staggering aggregate score of 24-5.

Additionally, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, who recently signed a three-year contract extension, has won all four of his Premier League matches against Daniel Farke, showcasing an impressive record.

Forward together. Mikel Arteta is here to stay https://t.co/c02vnZsUVR

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 7, 2026

This record mirrors Arteta’s joint-best win rate against a top-flight manager. However, Leeds has struggled historically, with only one victory in their past 17 away league matches against the reigning top-flight champions (D6 L10), which occurred during their last visit to Arsenal as title holders in May 2003.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Arsenal – 68.9%

Leeds United – 13.7%

Draw – 17.4%