Daniel Farke in the rain with Premier League logo
(Credit: Hasan Karim)
Josh Edwards
Sat 23 August 2025 19:54, UK
Leeds United were humiliated away to Arsenal, though the defeat wasn’t without a moment of controversy.
A brace from Viktor Gyokeres and Jurrien Timber and a ferocious strike from Bukayo Saka earned a 5-0 win for Arsenal against Leeds.
Daniel Farke‘s side simply couldn’t get to grips with the game, though given the level of opposition, the German is unlikely to be too concerned with the result.
However, the fifth goal arrived from the penalty spot after Anton Stach was adjudged to have fouled Max Dowman in the box, with the Premier League forced to release a statement not long after the decision.
Anton Stach at Leeds United looking serious
Stach conceded a penalty for Leeds vs Arsenal (Credit: Imago)
Arsenal right to be awarded penalty vs Leeds
Leeds benefitted from VAR in their win against Everton last week, but fell victim to it against the Gunners this time around.
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Dowman, 15, drove into the Leeds penalty area before Stach was deemed to have clipped his ankle, resulting in the teenager going down.
Referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot almost instantly, with VAR clearing the decision before Gyokeres went on to score his second and Arsenal’s fifth of the game.
Premier League Goals Shots xG Possession Passes
Arsenal 5 18 2.82 68% 546
Leeds 0 3 0.16 32% 212
Leeds were dominated by Arsenal.
After the award of the penalty, the Premier League released a statement via X, explaining why it wasn’t overturned.
The statement reads: “The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Stach on Dowman was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be sufficient for a penalty.”
#ARSLEE – 90+3’
The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Stach on Dowman was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be sufficient for a penalty.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) August 23, 2025
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Daniel Farke failures exposed in humiliating defeat
No one expected Leeds to win this game, and had they achieved it, it would have been one of the biggest stories of the season; that is the gulf in quality.
However, the nature of the defeat is what will cause the most frustration, with the majority of the goals conceded done so by Leeds’ own doing.
Leeds were guilty of overplaying at the back, which proved costly against a side who were relentless in the press.
In the Championship, you can get away with it. However, in the Premier League, you will be punished just as Leeds were, and Farke needs to learn from his inability, or unwillingness to adapt to the situation.
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