Find out how Leeds United's players rated against Arsenal in this afternoon's Premier League clash
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
16:55, 31 Jan 2026
Karl Darlow of Leeds United fails to make a save as he scores an own goal
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Karl Darlow of Leeds United fails to make a save as he scores an own goal (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Leeds United suffered just their second defeat in 10 Premier League games upon a 4-0 defeat to title favourites Arsenal at Elland Road on Saturday.
For a result to be gained, Leeds will have wanted to score first but Martin Zubimendi's header whole unmarked after 27 minutes ended that aim. Karl Darlow will not wish to look back at his flap for Arsenal's second 11 minutes later.
Daniel Farke changed it up at half time, going to a back four, and Leeds rallied. The crowd saw something to get behind - but Viktor Gyokeres' prod home from a cross sealed the points.
Gabriel Jesus made out a fourth into the corner four minutes from time. Sometimes, you just have to hold your hands up and admit the opposotion were better.
A soggy day ended with the pitch bucketed in rain to reflect the full-time mood. Here are how the players rated.
Karl Darlow - Had a busy day. Could have come out of his goal a bit quicker on occasion. Got his glove to a number of corners but will rue his own goal. Has to lose marks for that hashed moment - if it had been Lucas Perri, he'd get pelters. Made a good save from Gabriel Jesus in the second half. 5
Jayden Bogle - Dared to venture up the right but then often had go back running the other way in the first half. Found more joy in the second but let Gyokeres get the wrong side of him for the third goal. 6
James Justin - Did fine but today was always going to be a tough ask, especially in an unnatural role. He was one of the fall guys to be taken off at half time. 6
Joe Rodon - Had a right tussle with Viktor Gyokeres all afternoon, winning a lot but not all. Won free-kicks to relieve pressure and was in the right place at the right time mostly - including his tackle on Viktor Gyokeres when through on goal. The let himself down by not jumping to allow the striker to prod home a third. 6
Pascal Strujik - Got his header to a lot but was made to look ragged at times too. Made Raya dive low from a header early in the seond half. Missed a tackle or two in the second. 5
Gabriel Gudmundsson - Clearly rusty, coming back from injury, in the first half but found his rhythm again after half time. Most attacks came down the left through him, the Swede pressing Arsenal backwards. 7
Anton Stach - Kept possession when under pressure, showcasing not up to the standard required really. OK without being brilliant. Got lost towards the end of the game. 5
Ethan Ampadu - Battled but was made to have a rough shift. Amid the back-four formation change in the second half, often dropped back to be part of a five. 6
Ilia Gruev - In and out of the game, with a few loose passes and others quite good. But not good enough overall. 5
Brenden Aaronson - Had a few bursts here and there but was often crowded out, not for the lack of trying. Moving to the number 10 in the second half didn't change much on his personal front. 6
Dominic Calvert-Lewin - Often sandwiched between Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in the air. Lost his man for the first and hampered Darlow for the second, yet he was only doing what he thought was right. However, didn't win many of his duels, which meant Leeds struggled up top centrally. Gabriel too good. 5
SUBS
Sean Longstaff (45' for Gruev) - Won a solid tackle and sustained a few passes but did not ultimately provide the impact needed in tough circumstances. 6
Facundo Buonanotte (on 69' for Aaronson) - Hardly got a touch and one of those he gave away. 4
Wilfried Gnonto (81' for Stach) - Came on too late for a rating. N/A
Noah Okafor (45' for Justin) - Added spark and impetus. Yes he lost the ball a bit but he had Arsenal backtracking for the first time. After the third, was anonymous. 6
Joel Piroe (85' for Calvert-Lewin) - Came on too late for a rating) N/A.
MANAGER: Daniel Farke - First half set-up was overran and outfought so changed to a 4-2-3-1 at half time and Leeds looked much more potent until the third goal suckerpunched them. After that the game was gone, despite bringing on attacking substitutes. 6
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