Sometimes things do not go as planned in a game, and Leeds United found out the hard way in the first half against Arsenal. After putting up a solid showing in the first half hour, they conceded from a set piece.
Prior to the opener, the Whites had managed to keep Arsenal out and limited them to half chances. They were well organized and even won some duels in the middle of the park. The problem was in attack, where the ball never reached either of James, Piroe or Gnonto, making it difficult for Leeds to get out of their half.
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After conceding the opener, it all went downhill, showing how easily teams get punished at the top level.
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Jamie Redknapp praises Leeds United star
Credit: Imago
It is difficult to come out of a 5-0 defeat with a bright spot or any type of praise, but former Liverpool man Jamie Redknapp thinks Leeds midfielder Anton Stach stood out on Saturday.
Redknapp gave a positive verdict on the German in the first half hour on commentary: “Takes corners, good set-pieces, good footballer.”
Overall, Stach had a decent game in a poor outing for Leeds but everyone will remember the scoreline and that he gave away a penalty late in the game.
Gary Neville slams Daniel Farke’s style
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes the loss on Saturday was down to how Daniel Farke set up the team. He thinks a more direct approach would have worked with the personnel available.
“For me Leeds have to figure out a better way of playing away from home,” he said. “They have set up to defend but the only way they can get up the pitch is by playing through Arsenal.
“Coming to the Emirates that style does not work, they don’t have the players to play through them and then the direct route does not work either. “They have James, Gnonto and Piroe up front but going direct to them does not work.
“It is clear they need to find another way.”
Leeds now have to go back to the drawing board to figure out how to avoid a repeat of this scoreline when Newcastle visit Elland Road next weekend. Midweek, they take on Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL cup.
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