Daniel Farke said he was "annoyed" over Leeds United's inability to defend two corners in their 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Arsenal.
The Whites gave a good account of themselves in the first half but trailed 2-0 after goals from Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka. Their game plan was to defend deep and in numbers and look to hit the Gunners on the counter attack with Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto's pace in the wide areas.
But Arsenal's quality shone through and home debutant Viktor Gyokeres (2) and Timber scored in the second half to condemn United to a heavy away defeat. Timber's double came from the Whites failing to clear their lines from corners.
Farke told Sky Sports: "We knew that they would come flying out of the blocks. We spoke about surviving this game. Through the centre they did not create anything but through the wings they were very dangerous.
"It was annoying that Timber scored twice from right in between my two strongest defensive players. If you want to come away with points on such nights you have to be better in these situations. But, we know this is not a season-defining game for us."
It is now 11 losses from their last 13 Premier League away games against Arsenal (W2). They have also failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 15 visits to North London.
Farke praised the team's character to keep going right to the end against one of the best teams in the country. "Even the reaction before the end of the game, from minute 60 we were more solid and didn't fall apart," he said. "We wanted to get a consolation goal and we went for it but we were not able to get it. You have to accept it was a tough night and we have to recover quickly and prepare for the next one."
He told Match Of The Day: "Disappointed with the outcome, but we know these things can happen if you want to play at the top level. This is not a season-defining game for us.
"I can't remember many saves by Lucas Perri today. So five shots and five goals. If this comes together, it is a difficult away game."
Next up for United is a trip to beleaguered Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup second round on Tuesday night.
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