Gary Neville with mouth open and Leeds badge
(Credit: Imago)
Josh Edwards
Sat 23 August 2025 18:12, UK
Gary Neville was less than impressed with Leeds United in the early stages of their encounter with Arsenal.
It had been a cagey affair at The Emirates prior to Jurrien Timber’s 34th-minute opener, and that is the exact type of situation Leeds are going to have to overcome in the Premier League this season.
While Leeds’ 1-0 win against Everton last weekend was an excellent start, these types of clashes are really going to test how much they have progressed since winning promotion from the Championship.
However, as Leeds struggled to get their foot in the game, Neville expressed his concerns over the Whites after an incident inside the first 15 minutes.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke looking serious
Leeds United boss, Daniel Farke (Credit: Imago)
Leeds guilty of overplaying vs Arsenal
Arsenal are one of the favourites to win the Premier League this season, while Leeds are among the favourites for relegation.
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That alone tells you the difference in quality between these two sides, and yet Leeds are still making the same mistakes that have proven costly for all of the last six fallen promoted teams.
Just 15 minutes into the game, Lucas Perri played a dangerous ball into Anton Stach, who lost possession, just before Viktor Gyokeres fired well wide of the post.
It was a huge warning for Leeds, and one that led to Neville expressing his concerns over the way they have set up at the back.
Speaking live on Sky Sports Premier League, Neville said: “That should be the final warning for Leeds. I don’t want to see the goalkeeper or centre-halves playing out of their six-yard box again – it’s ridiculous.”
Lucas Perri in Leeds United kit
Perri started for Leeds vs Arsenal (Credit: Manh Tung/ Breaking Media)
Daniel Farke must be proactive, not reactive
Anyone who has watched a game of Premier League football over the last few years will be well aware of how dangerous it is for newly-promoted teams to try and replicate Pep Guardiola’s Man City.
Leeds were guilty of that against Arsenal, and over the course of the season, it will prove to be very, very costly, just as it was for Southampton last season.
Daniel Farke has had a tough time in the Premier League throughout his career, and if he is to prove his worth, he needs to be able to change the system.
Leeds need to go long far more often and allow the game to be played in the opposition half.
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