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Oliver Jones

Mikel Arteta highlights 'dangerous Leeds United DNA' in warning to Arsenal stars ahead of clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent a clear warning to his players that they must be 'very good' in order to beat a 'dangerous' Leeds United side on Saturday afternoon.

The Whites were on the wrong end of a narrow 1-0 result last time the two teams met in October, with the performance one of their best across the season so far despite the loss.

With two wins in their last four Premier League matches, Javi Gracia's side will be out for revenge and hungry to climb further up the league table in order to distance themselves from the relegation zone.

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To do that, however, they'll need to overcome the league leaders at the Emirates Stadium, something that only Manchester City have managed this season.

But Gunners boss Arteta knows that this won't be an easy match. He's been complimentary of Leeds in the past, and continued his track record in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon by highlighting

"Leeds have very particular DNA, how they behave, the character and the passion and energy they play with, they have been doing it for a long time," Arteta admitted.

"Now with a new manager and new ideas, and players back from injuries they are a very dangerous team, we have discussed that openly and we are going to have be very good to beat them.

"They want the points as much as us but hopefully we want them more than them and we can show that on Saturday. It’s a team that has its needs and they are playing at a really good level.

"They got a really good result in the last game and we are going to have to earn the right to win the game."

The Spaniard is also a big fan of his compatriot Gracia, pointing him out as another reason why his side must not underestimate Leeds this weekend.

"He is a good coach, really, really dedicated, thoughtful and really clear in the way his team wants to play, he can carry it as well, he is very adaptable and has coached so many teams already at his age, that shows the quality he has."

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