Arsenal Leeds United
Saturday afternoon saw a confident Leeds United side take on Arsenal, who were reeling from a loss in their pursuit of the Premier League title. The two teams came into the game in similar form.
The Gunners dropped points against Manchester United, but aside that were the best team in the league. Leeds had also suffered just one defeat in their 11 games in all competitions. Daniel Farke turned the team’s fortunes around in December, and they have not looked back since. Many expected this game to be more evenly matched than when the two sides met in the second gameweek. Arsenal put five goals past a hapless Leeds side at the Emirates Stadium.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
In a surprising turn of events, the game was very lopsided. Elland Road was a place many big teams came to suffer to get a point, but that was a very different situation on Saturday afternoon. Arsenal punished Leeds United from the first half – the home side could not handle the pressure from set pieces. Zubimendi gave Mikel Arteta’s side the lead, and an own goal set the stage for half time.
Things got even worse in the second half as the Gunners scored two goals without reply, with none of Daniel Farke’s changes affecting the game.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gives Leeds United verdict
After his side’s dominant defeat, Mikel Arteta shared his thoughts on this Leeds side and how they played. When asked if the Whites possess the quality to stay up, the Arsenal boss gave a surprising answer:
“I think so. What they’ve done is very smart.
“They are really tough, well organised, threat, quality. They have an amazing stadium with a beautiful atmosphere that brings the level of the team to a really difficult level to match.”
READ MORE: ‘Men against boys…’ – Paul Merson delivers brutal Leeds United verdict during 4-0 defeat against Arsenal
Defeat should not demoralize Leeds
Some fans will be frustrated at the defeat, but in hindsight Leeds were playing against the best team in the Premier League. Arsenal also had a phenomenal away record, which meant they were not fazed by the Elland Road atmosphere.
The more important takeaway from this game will be how Daniel Farke’s side react; with West Ham playing later, the Hammers can easily cut the gap near the relegation zone. Leeds need to keep their head up if they want to survive relegation this season.
Related Topics