Leeds manager Daniel Farke looking downbeat with Arsenal badge insert.
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Sat 23 August 2025 20:52, UK
Daniel Farke’s Leeds United side were served up a Premier League reality check at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Leeds United were crushed 5-0 by Arsenal, with goals from Viktor Gyokeres, Jurrien Timber, and Bukayo Saka making for a nightmare first away trip of the season for Farke.
Leeds beat Everton 1-0 on the opening weekend, but did not expect a similar affair against last season’s Premier League runners-up.
Leeds were criticised for early mistakes made when attempting to play out from the back, but three of Arsenal’s goals ultimately came from set-pieces.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke gives a thumbs up
Farke will have a lot to think about after the performance against Arsenal (Credit: Imago)
Set-piece woes for Leeds United
Leeds will not play many teams quite as adept at set-pieces as Arsenal this season, but the fashion in which Timber’s goals went in will be of concern to Farke.
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The first saw Declan Rice’s delivery turned in by the Dutchman seemingly unchallenged, but the second was more worrying.
The corner made its way into the box and evaded several Leeds defenders, bouncing around before it was eventually turned in by Timber.
Lucas Perri stood idle on both occasions, but Farke’s concern will chiefly lay at the doors of the defenders who failed to attack the ball.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is needed for Leeds in bigger games
Leeds desperately lacked a focal point against Arsenal. Farke’s side struggled to play around the intense press of the home side, and were often forced long.
But once launched to Joel Piroe, the ball often came straight back with the Dutchman facing difficult opposition in Gabriel and William Saliba.
Joel Piroe:
Completed just nine passes against Arsenal.
Won neither of his two duels, and won zero fouls.
This just goes to show he cannot be relied upon to lead the line.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was unavailable against Arsenal, but Leeds can take lessons from the lack of presence that the striker’s absence left.
The former Everton man is more than capable of taking the ball down and feeding his teammates, and certainly would have given the Arsenal defenders more to think about.
Anton Stach is Premier League quality
Anton Stach was the standout for Leeds on the day. The German was combative, winning the majority of his ground duels and earning his side free-kicks, even if he did give away a late penalty.
The 26-year-old was up against the tenacious duo of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, but held his own, winning contests against the two in the first-half.
Anton Stach Vs Arsenal (A)
Minutes played 90
Chances created 3
Duels won 5
Was fouled 3
Stach was unable to stop the Arsenal onslaught, but can be proud of his individual effort.
At the very least, the former Hoffenheim man has proved that he will not hide in Leeds’ bigger games this season, and when the going gets tough, he will stick it out.
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