Leeds United star Joe Rodon, Mikel Arteta looking pleased.
Credit: Imago
Declan Carr
Sat 31 January 2026 19:10, UK
Joe Rodon is typically reliable for Leeds, but he did not have his finest hour against Arsenal on Saturday.
The Whites were defeated 4-0 at Elland Road, as Mikel Arteta’s side reestablished their commanding lead at the top of the Premier League.
The Whites are at risk of being dragged back into the relegation zone, as they could be just three points above West Ham, if they beat Chelsea.
Daniel Farke will not have been pleased after what Rodon was spotted doing in the contest on 31 January.
What was Rodon slammed for in Leeds vs Arsenal?
In the 69th minute, Gabriel Martinelli’s cross was heading straight for Rodon but he did not act, and Viktor Gyokeres slotted home to make it 3-0.
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Former Republic of Ireland international Gary Breen did not hold back in his criticism of Rodon after his involvement in the Gunners’ third goal.
Ball goes into the corner, Struijk slides in but doesn't win it, can't stop the cross and Gyokeres beats Bogle at the back post. Bogle caught the wrong side. Darlow couldn't stop it.
Aaronson off, Buonanotte on.
0-3#lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) January 31, 2026
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Speaking on Premier Sports on 31 January, he let rip, saying: “Rodon leaves it. That is woeful defending.”
Why Leeds should be not be too worried about Arsenal defeat
The Peacocks should not concern themselves too much with a hammering from the Gunners, as they were expected to lose anyway.
The scoreline is not too good, as it impacts their goal difference, but a match against the league leaders will not determine their ultimate fate.
Games against the sides around them will be what decides whether they stay in the division or go back down to the Championship at the end of the campaign.
If they can beat the teams towards the bottom end of the table, then they should have no problem retaining their top-flight status for next season.
Leeds vs Arsenal match stats
Credit: Breaking Media
The Whites and Rodon will be disappointed but they cannot place too much stock on the result against a team that will probably go on to win the title, and could even do so at a canter if Manchester City do not buck their ideas up.
They need to bounce back and put distance between themselves and the Hammers, and ensure that they are not in any sort of danger when it comes to the business end of the campaign.
They have the perfect opportunity to do so and banish any doubts that may be floating around against Nottingham Forest at home next time out.
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