Leeds United’s Premier League dream came crushing back to reality on Saturday evening as The Whites were hammered 5-0 at The Emirates by Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing side.
Leeds came into the game after a 1-0 win over Everton at Elland Road and there was a cause for some optimism among supporters. Especially, with Jaka Bijol and Noah Okafor added to the Leeds squad.
The win against Everton meant the pressure was off Leeds, as they prepared for what is likely to be one of the toughest matches in the entire season, an away trip to Arsenal. Paul Merson said it was a “free hit”.
But there is a way of losing, putting up a fight and trying to make it difficult for opponents. For the first time in Daniel Farke’s reign as Leeds manager, he watched his Leeds side fold as Arsenal won 5-0.
Max Dowman makes Premier League debut for Arsenal v Leeds.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Arsenal rub salt in Leeds wounds with Max Dowman debut
Viktor Gyokeres could have once joined Leeds, but the Swedish striker is now the main man for Arsenal and he silenced the critics with a brace. Leeds’ struggles from set-pieces continue in the top flight, too.
It saw Dutch defender Jurrien Timber score twice, while England winger Bukayo Saka netted one for his side before going off injured. Mikel Arteta also introduced 15-year-old Max Dowman from the bench.
Dowman actually won a penalty after a tackle from Anton Stach, and there is plenty of hype surrounding the teen. Now, Dowman is the Premier League’s second-youngest-ever player, and he took to Instagram.
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Leeds United talent sends message to Max Dowman after 5-0 loss
It is rare that a player from a losing side would publicly contact one of the winning side’s players, but Harry Gray was not in the Leeds squad on Saturday as he, like Dowman, looks to break in at senior level.
Despite that, Gray responded to Dowman’s Instagram on Saturday evening and told the Hale End product he was “proud” of him. The two have played together in England’s youth set-up over the last few years.
Leeds are back in action on Tuesday night as Premier League clubs not in European competition enter the second round of the Carabao Cup. Leeds go to Hillsborough to take on rivals Sheffield Wednesday.