Leicester City-Arsenal Preview

Mikel Arteta feels "really happy" with where Arsenal are a week into the new Premier League season, as his side prepare to welcome Leicester City to face them this weekend.

An opening victory over Crystal Palace was not quite the romp some expected after a busy transfer window, but a reshaped Gunners squad certainly look like they can crack the top four under the Spaniard's watch this term.

That has left ex-Manchester City boss Arteta delighted, particularly with a refreshed focus on the club's overall values, and he hopes that such a shared mood will contribute to success this year.

"I am really happy with where we are," the manager said. "The people we have at the club, the professionals we have and what we are building. I could not be happier with that.

"(Our principles). it's the first thing we talk about. What we expect from that and what they expect from the club. What our values are and how we like them to behave and be perceived. We are here to have enjoyment, it's our passion. We have to get on well and you have to have respect to have enjoyment together."

Opposite number Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, has played down the club's transfer activity this summer, amid swirling reports Wesley Fofana is set to leave and concern over the shape of their squad as they chase for Europe this term.

"The club needs to move some players on and then we'll see what that releases," he added. "We have no guarantees at this stage."

"The message to all of the squad is keep your eye on the ball and focus on your football. There's lots of speculation around but it's something I haven't seen affecting the group."

Arsenal – Gabriel Martinelli

The Gunners star has been involved in five goals in his last five Premier League starts (2 goals, 3 assists), netting their opening goal of the season against Crystal Palace. He's looking to score in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time.

Leicester – Jamie Vardy

Only Harry Kane (13) and Wayne Rooney (12) have scored more Premier League goals against Arsenal than the former England forward, (11), although the 35-year-old hasn't scored in his last two games against the Gunners.

- Arsenal have won their last three Premier League matches against Leicester City, scoring seven goals and conceding just one. The Gunners last had four consecutive league victories over the Foxes between February 1999 and December 2000.

- Leicester have won just one of their last 25 away league matches against Arsenal (D4 L20), a 1-0 win in October 2020. The Foxes have lost more away top-flight matches against the Gunners than against any other side (35).

- Arsenal have lost six of their last 12 Premier League home games in August (W4 D2); before this run, the Gunners had won 15 of their previous 16 home August matches.

- Leicester have kept one clean sheet in their last 26 away Premier League matches, doing so in a 2-0 win at Burnley last March. They haven't kept a clean sheet on the road against a current top-flight side since February 2021, a goalless draw at Wolves.

- Arsenal won 2-0 against Crystal Palace in their opening game. The Gunners have started a Premier League campaign with two wins on six occasions, but they've not started with two wins without conceding since 1971-72.

Updated August 12, 2022