Arsenal have turned their focus to the upcoming Premier League clash against Leicester City.
After two difficult games on the road, the Gunners return to the Emirates in the Premier League for the first time since the September international break.
Since the dramatic 1-1 draw against Brighton that unfolded in N5, drama has followed Mikel Arteta’s side around, with two huge tests coming consecutively away from home.
First, Arsenal beat Spurs in the North London derby, followed by a crazy 2-2 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad, with attention now turning to Leicester for match day six of the league campaign.
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Steve Cooper sends message to his squad ahead of Arsenal clash
Between the drama that unfolded at the Etihad and the upcoming clash against Leicester, Arsenal were in action in midweek against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup.
The Gunners secured a 5-1 win over the League One side, as Arteta’s side showed great quality in the final third at the Emirates.
Now, the North Londoners are preparing to host the Foxes in N5, with Steve Cooper aware of the challenge that awaits his squad.
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Speaking in a press conference ahead of the game, Cooper was asked if Arsenal were the ‘toughest test’ for his side thus far.
“Definitely. They’re an incredible team who have been in great form for a number of years. They’ve been challenging for trophies,” Cooper explained before sharing what he has been asking from his team.
“We’re coming up against a really tough opponent. It’s these games that you have to embrace and not fearing failure. That’s what we want to do, to back ourselves. We want to go for it.”
Facing Arsenal at the Emirates is a fixture that clubs approach with difficulty in mind, as Leicester search for their first three points of the season to shock the Gunners.
Arsenal cannot underestimate Leicester City
It was only in the 2015/16 campaign that Arsenal and Leicester were going head-to-head for the Premier League title, with the Foxes unforgettably coming out on top that season.
While Cooper’s side are vastly different to the side that Claudio Ranieri led to the title, there are some faces in the squad that Arsenal will approach with caution.
Perhaps the most notable is 37-year-old Jamie Vardy, who has scored more goals against Arsenal than any other club in his career, netting 11 in 16 appearances.
The Englishman’s last goal against the Gunners came during the Foxes last win at the Emirates, as Vardy netted a late winner during the 2020/21 season, when no fans were in attendance.
Arsenal, like Leicester, are a lot different to their previous forms, making Saturday’s battle all the more interesting.
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