Leeds United took on Arsenal in their first away game of the new Premier League season, and the Whites held their own in the opening stages.
Last Monday, Leeds United beat Everton 1-0 in the Premier League to kick-start their season with an impressive win, and since then Daniel Farke’s side have been boosted by the signing of Noah Okafor.
Ahead of the game versus Arsenal. Leeds United completed the signing of Okafor from AC Milan in a reported £18m deal. He arrives at Elland Road along with several other summer signings, several of whom starting the game against Arsenal including Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Lucas Perri in goal.
Come half-time, despite Leeds looking relatively solid, it was the Gunners who had the lead after Jurrien Timber got the ball over the line after some poor Leeds United defending from a corner. Bukayo Saka added another just before the break.
Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League
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Gary Neville unimpressed with lax Leeds United vs Arsenal
Gary Neville was on co-comms for the game between Arsenal and Leeds, and early on he had a bone to pick with Farke’s side. Leeds were very lax in their passing and were almost caught out early on, playing in and around their own penalty area, which prompted criticism from Neville.
He said: “That should be the final warning for Leeds. I don’t want to see their defenders or goalkeeper playing it in the six yard box again, that’s ridiculous.”
Leeds United’s first half stats vs Arsenal
As expected, Arsenal dominated possession in the first half. At times, Leeds could barely get a foot on the ball and barely get out of their own half, though Farke would have been expecting such a game and he will surely have taken a few positives from the first half.
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Leeds managed three shots on goal, though Gunners goalkeeper David Raya was not called in to make a save. In total, Leeds made 162 passes whilst Arsenal made 289 passes in the first half, with Mikel Arteta’s side having 64% possession. Leeds made eight tackles compared to Arsenal’s four.
Next up, Leeds United take a break from league duties and travel to crisis club Sheffield Wednesday for a Yorkshire derby in the Carabao Cup second round. Then, the Whites return to Elland Road for another exciting Premier League clash with Newcastle United.