Leeds United manager Daniel Farke with thumbs-up , Leeds United inset
(credit: imago)
Kyrenia Shipillis
Wed 20 August 2025 6:40, UK
Leeds United’s hopes to remain in the top flight look more promising than first assumed.
Leeds broke records in their 1-0 win over Everton in the Premier League on Monday.
Lukas Nmecha netted a controversial penalty at Elland Road to seal all three points for the Whites. However, Daniel Farke’s men were by far the better team on the night.
The Yorkshire giants were exceptional as a unit, but it was Ao Tanaka who shone the most for Farke. Despite this, the future of Leeds in the Premier League may rest on another’s shoulders moving forward.
Lukas Nmecha Leeds United
Nmecha sealed the deal for Farke (Credit: Imago)
Anton Stach one of two players to complete 25+ final third passes
New signing £17million Anton Stach started for United in the midfield against Everton and dominated in several attacking metrics.
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But one aspect of his game could be the difference for Leeds in the top flight. According to Squawka via X on Tuesday, 19 August, Stach and Elliot Anderson were the only players to complete more than 25 final third passes in the Premier League last season.
Statch with 25, surpasses Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Writz, who had 24 and 21, respectively.
The top division is notorious for being difficult to break down in the attacking third. As a result, Stach’s passing could give United the necessary boost to remain in the Premier League.
How will Stach help dominate against Arsenal?
Leeds take on Arsenal at the Emirates on 23 August in the hope of continuing their dominance in the top flight.
Mikel Arteta’s side will be a difficult one to overcome. But Stach could hold the key to Leeds’ success.
As well as recording the most final third passes, the German also created the most chances against Everton. In 86 touches, he had three accurate crosses and four accurate long balls.
Chances created 4
Accurate crosses 3/6 (50%)
Accurate long balls 4/5 (80%)
Clearances 5
Headed clearance 2
Recoveries 3
Ground duels won 3/7 (43%)
Aerial duels won 2/3 (67%)
Stach stats vs Everton [FotMob]
Defensively, Stach was formidable. He managed five clearances and three recoveries across the 90 minutes.
As demonstrated, Stach is not only a player who can create from deep and break down defences, but his excellent read of the game, strength and sheer physicality allow him to deal with attacks on the other end.
Arsenal are a team that loves to have possession of the ball. As a result, Leeds can expect to be dominated for most of the game with a few chances to counter. Stach’s passing and physical attributes will allow United to withstand pressure while launching viable attacks on the counter.
Therefore, he could be more important for Leeds’ Premier League hopes than first imagined.
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