Leeds United fans will have been expecting defeat on Saturday evening, but not many will have seen Daniel Farke’s side suffer a 5-0 loss at The Emirates, having beaten Everton first time out.
But Leeds struggled just as much as Arsenal sparkled. Ethan Ampadu’s absence was obvious as Arsenal ran riot, even after Pascal Struijk had the best chance to open the scoring before Jurrien Timber’s opener.
Leeds struggled to cope with Arsenal after Timber scored the first of two goals from set-pieces during the heavy 5-0 loss, and while Leeds won’t have expected to win, there is a way of losing and this was not it.
Timber got two goals for Arsenal, both from corners while Viktor Gyokeres got his first two goals for The Gunners. Before suffering an injury, England winger Bukayo Saka also got his name on the score sheet.
Noah Okafor in action for Leeds
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Noah Okafor makes Premier League debut for Leeds United
On Thursday, Leeds confirmed the £18m arrival of Noah Okafor from AC Milan and immediately, the wide man was in the squad to face Arsenal. That is despite Dominic Calvert-Lewin still nowhere to be seen.
Okafor came on for Willy Gnonto on 66 minutes with Arsenal already having wrapped up the win without really ever having to push Leeds. But, Okafor has a reminder for Leeds fans who will be feeling frustrated.
He said: “Just the start boys, onto the next. Proud to play my first Premier League game.” Perhaps, Okafor is reminding Leeds fans that there is a long way to go and defeat to Arsenal away does not change much.
Noah Okafor could get first Leeds start on Tuesday night
Leeds are back in action in just a few days when Farke’s men take on Sheffield Wednesday in the Cup, as Premier League sides not involved in European action enter the Carabao Cup in the second round.
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Farke is likely to make a few changes and those that have not started in the first two games will surely be given game time ahead of next weekend’s clash against Newcastle, as Farke’s men return to Elland Road.
The likes of Karl Darlow, Jaka Bijol, Sam Byram, Sean Longstaff, Jack Harrison, Brenden Aaronson, Lukas Nmecha and Okafor will see that game as a chance to get a start and an opportunity to stake a claim.