Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has told his pre-match press conference – as per the club’s YouTube – that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is the “most-underrated” gaffer in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s showdown.
Leeds go into Sunday’s fixture after a winless of run of five Premier League matches. The Whites have picked up just two points from a possible 15, losing last time out to Crystal Palace. Ebere Eze scoring the winner, to win 2-1.
The Yorkshire side are winless in the last 12 meetings between the two sides. Leeds last beat Arsenal 3-2 – Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and Ian Harte scored, at Highbury. In the next 12 games, Arsenal have won 12 times.
Last season, Arsenal beat Leeds 4-1. Right now, Arteta is masterminding Arsenal’s incredible form which sees them sit top of the Premier League – beating Liverpool last time out 3-2. Marsch was full of praise for the Gunners boss.
“Arteta is the most-underrated manager in the league. He has built a complex, exciting team. It has taken time, a lot of pressure, now we are seeing the fruits of his labour. It would be huge to get something. But we are confident.”
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Leeds manager Marsch: Arsenal boss Arteta is most underrated in league
Underrated is interesting, from Marsch. There is no doubting the ability of the Gunners gaffer. As Marsch says, he has come through much adversity to shine as Gunners gaffer. But is he underrated? Or could it be mind games?
Arteta is rated highly. Much has been spoken of working under Pep Guardiola – and how that has influenced the £160k-a-week man’s style. But not many will have predicted his success this season, securing eight league wins.
If Leeds can get a result against the Gunners, whether that be a point or a shock win, it would be an incredible result. But we have certainly shown we can be dangerous, especially at Elland Road – just ask Chelsea.
