Leeds United took on Arsenal at the Emirates, with Daniel Farke’s side dominated by the Gunners in the Premier League.
Arsenal were relentless during the clash, with goals from Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, and Viktor Gyokeres.
Leeds, in all honesty, didn’t have a sniff. It was a really lacklustre performance, which Daniel Farke will surely reflect on.
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Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
That said, one thing about the fixture will have shocked the German to the core.
Daniel Farke will hate how easily Leeds were bullied
Arsenal, from minute one, had Leeds’ number. Not just from a footballing sense, but in their demeanour. Every challenge, battle, and individual duel was won by Arsenal players.
Two of the goals, of course, came from corners – with Timber scoring both. Gyokeres’ goal also came from weak defending from a Leeds standpoint.
It wasn’t good enough, and Leeds players will be very disappointed in the manner which a few of their goals went in.
Granted, Arsenal are always going to play better football than Leeds given the calibre of their players, but the mismatch in terms of physicality was something that will frustrate Farke.
Leeds trying to build a stronger team for the Premier League
Leeds are trying to build a more physically imposing Premier League side by signing taller, stronger players.
Signings like 6ft 4in Anton Stach and 6ft 5in Lucas Perri have been brought in to try and counter the physical demands of England’s top flight, and improve set-pieces from both an attacking and defensive standpoint.
This wasn’t apparent against the Gunners.
Does this suggest Leeds need to dip into the market once more? Quite possibly. Gary Neville also highlighted the problem of a forward, which is a prominent issue for the Lilywhites.
Leeds now face another physical side in Newcastle United in the Premier League next weekend. Farke will hope to see an immediate turnaround from his players in that one.