Leading up to the game, it was obvious Leeds United would need to adapt their approach in the face of a title challenger. A loss was expected but a 5-0 defeat can damage the confidence of players in what was a true wake up call.
Too many of the goals were conceded sloppily, despite the obvious gulf in class between the two sides. None came out of the afternoon with credit. If the collective was the story against Everton, it was here too - albeit for the wrong reasons this time.
Ethan Ampadu was a miss but his absence was not the reason for the heavy loss. Arsenal were able to slice through with ease and perhaps opened up a few holes that opponents in the future will look to exploit.
Confidence and togetherness will be a key component for Leeds this season if they are to survive. Daniel Farke says that this has not been dented but doubts will naturally lurk.
Plan B struggles
Leeds struggled to find an outlet - at all - going forward. Daniel James was the most threatening but his efforts were all blocked and his chances only came from Arsenal not winning the first ball rather than by Leeds’ creation. David Raya only had one shot to save, and that was a Pascal Struijk header.
United did not manage to link back to front with any efficiency. Leeds did not know whether to go long or play short. They almost conceded when playing short and found nothing when they went long.
“We had to mix it up,” Farke explained. “We tried to play short and we have our principles. But Arsenal have the best counter-presses in the world. Then you go for a more pragmatic approach and play a few more balls into a compact block.
“It’s always difficult whichever you choose. To find good solutions, we chose the pragmatic one more than we would have liked.”
It raises questions about Farke’s plan B approach against the bigger fish, which seems to be to try plan A then divert if needed. Of course the opposition was strong but this issue is the point of contention.
Transfer needs
The result sweeps more focus onto the transfer market and whether Leeds need to think about adding more than just more offensive players. Farke thinks not. “Two more signings would not have changed the result,” he said afterwards.
However, the need for more attackers is needed with Farke still looking for two more ideally. The boss has hinted that a winger who can play as a 10 would be “beneficial”.
It’s understood reports about Leeds leading the race for Strasbourg right winger Dilane Bakwa are, at this stage, premature. Anyway he does not have much experience of playing as a supporting striker, unlike Noah Okafor, who made his debut.
Number 10 usage or not, Leeds need to be more creative. Even against Everton, a cutting edge in the final third was lacking. As for other areas, Leeds seem content with what they have got - back-up full-back aside.
No Ramazani
While supporters were pleased to see Noah Okafor through the door, it did leave questions over Largie Ramazani’s place in Farke’s plans. The manager did not directly address his future when asked about this in Thursday’s press conference.
However, the omission from the matchday squad, coupled with the Belgian’s decision to remove his Instagram profile photo - a trend that seems to have emerged when a player’s future is unclear - seems ominous. His manager explained his absence after full-time at The Emirates Stadium.
"It was due to Noah Okafor coming in, not against Largie,” he said. “Wilfried Gnonto was going to start and Jack Harrison is the hard worker as a defensive winger."
However, Ramazani must be weighing up his options, with him clearly bottom of the winger pecking order. Let’s see what happens.