Illan Meslier in training gear next to Lucas Perri
(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media/Imago)
Niall Togher
Sat 23 August 2025 21:40, UK
Leeds United were reminded of the brutal realities the Premier League can provide after they were thrashed 5-0 by Arsenal.
After the collective high, everyone associated with Leeds was feeling after their dramatic 1-0 win over Everton at Elland Road, it all quickly came crashing down as United were embarrassed in London.
Leeds were naive in their approach from the off against Arsenal, thinking they could play out from the back despite the gulf in quality, leading to criticism from Gary Neville.
Leeds’ vulnerability from set-pieces was also highlighted by Jamie Redknapp, and is a potential concern moving forward if they keep shipping goals in this manner; however, perhaps the most concerning thing is what we saw from Lucas Perri.
Daniel Farke looking serious
Farke’s side were brought back down to earth during their clash with Arsenal (Credit: Imago)
Lucas Perri poor against Arsenal
Perri arrived with a big reputation earlier in the summer, and with how poor Illan Meslier has been over recent seasons, Leeds supporters were thrilled to see any new face with a pair of goalkeeper gloves arrive in West Yorkshire.
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However, it is quickly dawning on some supporters that Perri may not be all he was cracked up to be, with the Brazilian enduring a shaky start to life at Leeds.
Only four of Perri’s 16 long balls were accurate against Everton, as the keeper looked like he lacked confidence with the ball at his feet
Perri followed that up with a concerning display against Arsenal, making zero saves
Leeds’ new shot-stopper had a goals prevented of -2.27, suggesting he was at fault for multiple goals
One of the goals that was undoubtedly Perri’s fault was Bukayo Saka’s strike, which made the score 2-0, beating the 27-year-old at his near post.
The supporters in the away end must have been wondering if it was Illan Meslier wearing a mask in the Leeds goal as another cheap goal was conceded, where the goalkeeper should’ve done better.
Perri was also poor for the fourth goal, with the keeper hesitant to leave his line and claim the corner in before conceding a tame effort from point-blank range.
Daniel Farke needs to realise quickly who isn’t Premier League-ready
One criticism of the German manager during his spell in West Yorkshire is that he has his favourites and sticks by them no matter what.
Every single Leeds fan travelling down to North London would have told you that Joel Piroe would be ineffective at leading the line in such a tough, physical matchup, yet Farke played him over Lukas Nmecha.
Although we have not seen much from Nmecha, we have seen consistently for two seasons that Piroe struggles in games where Leeds have to go direct, and Farke has still not learned his lesson.
The decision to bring on Brenden Aaronson out of position on the wing, whilst freezing Largie Ramazani out of the squad entirely, is another completely unjustifiable decision.
Obviously, it’s early days, but we have seen in the past that it takes far longer than just one game for the penny to drop with Farke when it comes to making changes to his starting XI.
If this trend continues, Farke will not last long as a Premier League manager, nor Leeds as a Premier League club.
Perri has time to come good, and hopefully that happens soon, but all eyes will already be on him for next week’s Premier League clash with Newcastle.
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