Daniel Farke looking unhappy towards Jamie Redknapp
(Credit: Imago)
Henry Green
Sat 23 August 2025 20:32, UK
Leeds were on the end of a poor 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in their second Premier League game of the season.
Hopes going into the game were high following the 1-0 win over Everton on Monday.
However, those hopes were quickly quashed when Arsenal took the lead in the 34th minute in Saturday’s contest at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners went on to add goals from Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres and Julien Timber, but it was the second goal in particular that will have worried Daniel Farke.
Daniel Farke Leeds United
Farke will be unhappy with the goals conceded vs Arsenal (Credit: Imago)
Leeds ‘punished’ for complacency in midfield – Jamie Redknapp
Illia Gruev was dispossessed in midfield by Declan Rice, who played in Saka and fired the ball past Lucas Perri, who should’ve done better.
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Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp was left unimpressed by the build-up to the goal.
Speaking on Sky Sports Football at half-time, Redknapp said: “I think from Leeds’ point of view, that’s a great example of the difference from the Championship to the Premier League.
“[Illia] Gruev gets the ball in midfield, he does great, he wins it initially, takes a fraction of a second too long, they lose the ball, and then they get punished.”
Arsenal Team Leeds
2.82 Expected goals 0.16
18 Shots 3
594 Passes 279
Arsenal were dominant vs Leeds
The hosts have a fantastic record of scoring from corners, so Farke won’t be too worried about the two goals conceded by set pieces.
However, he will be concerned by their lack of focus in midfield, and they can’t continue to be complacent against top sides like Arsenal.
At the other end of the pitch, the Whites had little influence up front, and Farke made a mistake by electing to play Joel Piroe up top instead of Lukas Nmecha.
Daniel Farke makes huge mistake not starting Sean Longstaff
Against such a top Premier League side, it feels insane for Farke not to start an experienced Premier League midfielder in Sean Longstaff.
Despite their strong start against Everton, Farke should have seen past their performance and recognised that the Toffees were far from their best.
Arsenal were a different test for Leeds, and top-flight experience could have been key to at least making the game more competitive.
Going into their next Premier League game against Newcastle, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Farke make some wholesale changes, with Longstaff playing against his former side, and new signing Noah Okafor starting.
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