Mikel Arteta applauding with Leeds badge
(Credit: Imago)
Josh Edwards
Sat 23 August 2025 21:05, UK
Leeds United were thumped 5-0 away to Arsenal on Saturday evening.
Euphoria from Leeds United’s win against Everton on the opening weekend was quickly turned to dismay with an away encounter at the Emirates.
Viktor Gyokeres scored twice to help Arsenal seal a 5-0 victory over Leeds, and it could have been several more for the hosts.
Leeds are among the favourites for Premier League relegation this season, but it’s unlikely to be decided by results like this, with Mikel Arteta sharing his thoughts on their chances of avoiding the drop.
Daniel Farke looking serious
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke (Credit: Imago)
Leeds backed to survive by Mikel Arteta
After his side won so convincingly, there was never a reason for Mikel Arteta to talk down on Leeds, though it could have been different had the outcome followed suit.
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Arsenal were deserving winners, though a controversial penalty for a foul on Max Dowman certainly aided their ability to send a statement to the rest of the teams at the top of the Premier League.
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.
With that said, Arteta had nothing but good things to say about Leeds after what he witnessed at the Emirates.
Asked if he believes Leeds will stay up this season, Arteta is quoted by Beren Cross via X as saying: “I think so. I am very complimentary of them.
“What I love is that they will maintain that philosophy from Monday. We all know the people/fans they have behind them.”
Leeds will need to address key weakness to avoid relegation
Once again, it is hard to be overly negative after a defeat away to one of the best sides in the country, but there are some areas of that performance that were unacceptable.
Firstly, the nature of the goals.
Leeds tried to play out from the back, and against a team of such quality that simply isn’t going to work, and Daniel Farke needs to learn from that.
Their inability to defend crosses in the box was also a highlight of the game, with Jurrien Timber’s goal a showcase of the frantic efforts in the penalty area.
However, Leeds need to dust themselves down and put this game behind them, as there will almost certainly be more days like this to come in the Premier League.
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