Anton Stach in Leeds away kit with Arsenal badge
(Credit: Manh Tung)
Josh Edwards
Sat 23 August 2025 19:29, UK
Leeds United suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat away to Arsenal on Saturday.
Leeds’ 1-0 victory at home to Everton last weekend marked the perfect return to the Premier League, though an away encounter to Arsenal was always going to be a different kind of beast.
Arsenal forced Leeds into some early mistakes, with Jayden Bogle picking up an early card, not long before Viktor Gyokeres was handed a golden chance to give his side the lead, but failed.
Instead, it was Jurrien Timber that headed home from a corner for the hosts, with Bukayo Saka doubling their advantage before the half-time interval.
Gyokeres, who could have once been a Leeds player, got into the action to make it three, Timber added a fourth, Gyokeres added a fifth, and the Whites left the Emirates empty-handed in a 5-0 defeat.
Leeds United's Daniel Farke looking serious
Leeds boss Daniel Farke (Credit: Imago)
MORE LEEDS STORIES
Anton Stach gets credit again for Leeds despite late error
Anton Stach was certainly the pick of the bunch for Leeds against the Gunners, though even he wasn’t at his utmost best.
With that said, the German created more chances than any other Leeds player and wasn’t afraid to get stuck into tackles, most of which he came out on top of.
It was the lack of support from his midfield teammates which ultimately restricted his ability to have a bigger influence in the game.
Out of all of Leeds’ summer signings, Stach is certainly one who is nailed on to be a success in the Premier League.
With that said, his challenge to concede the penalty was clumsy, and he will need to cut that out of his game.
Anton Stach at Leeds United looking serious
Stach looks to be a gem for Leeds (Credit: Imago)
Gabriel Gudmundsson fails Arsenal audition
Gabriel Gudmundsson was all over the place against Arsenal, with the second goal coming from an attack down his side.
Saka had a field day against the Swede, who made it far too easy for Arsenal to get into dangerous attacking positions.
By half-time, Gudmundsson had completed just five of his 10 attempted passes, ending the game with a 53 per cent pass completion and 16 per cent duel win rate.
He lost more duels than any other player on the pitch, failed to stop crosses into the box, and just generally looked lost defensively.
There is some slack to cut for the left back, given the level of opposition, but he is going to have to be far more switched on than he was at the Emirates.
Gabriel Gudmundsson in Sweden attire
Gudmundsson struggled massively vs Arsenal (Credit: Imago)
Leeds player ratings vs Arsenal
Lucas Perri – 4
Jayden Bogle – 4 (for Byram 83′)
Joe Rodon – 5
Pascal Struijk – 5
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 2
Ao Tanaka – 4 (for Longstaff 58′)
Ilia Gruev – 4
Anton Stach – 6
Dan James – 4 (for Aaronson 66′)
Willy Gnonto – 5 (for Okafor 66′)
Joel Piroe – 5 (for Nmecha 58′)
Subs
Sean Longstaff – 5
Lukas Nmecha – 5
Noah Okafor – 5
Brenden Aaronson – 5
Sam Byram – N/A
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