There has been dissection and analysis about what went wrong following the 5-0 drubbing by Arsenal. Very clearly, the tactics were not successful.
Leeds United adopted their 4-3-3 formation, though this turned into a 4-1-4-1 when against the ball with the wingers tucking back and Ilia Gruev guarding the defence. Joel Piroe was left lost at sea.
Gruev was overrun. Ao Tanaka was crowded out, as was Wilfried Gnonto on the left flank. Bukayo Saka won his one-on-one battles with Gabriel Gudmundsson. The floors of the system were exposed and Daniel Farke had no go-to plan B.
Some supporters questioned the team selection itself. The big query was who would come into defensive midfield in the absence of the injured Ethan Ampadu. While that was a more hotly-contested debate, few argued with Pascal Struijk’s selection at centre-back post-Everton.
Noah Okafor arrived too late to start and so Wilfried Gnonto was always going to play on the left. Joel Piroe is ahead of Lukas Nmecha in the pecking order.
Those positions outlined are indeed the areas of contention, and the most likely to see a change in personnel when everyone is fit and available. Ampadu, Okafor, Jaka Bijol and Dominic Calvert-Lewin coming in make the team look a lot more appetising.
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Leeds United
But there is an uncomfortable truth on the other side of the card - the other seven positions were first-choice picks. Lucas Perri has come in for criticism after Saturday’s showing, particularly for the second goal conceded.
It’s worth remembering that the match was only his second start for Leeds since signing. All of the rust would have ideally been shaken off in pre-season, but him arriving with a hamstring injury prevented that from happening.
A goalkeeper’s true qualities always show soon enough given the isolated nature of the role, but now is too early to cast a judgement. Daniel James was the most lively attacker with his shots and tracking back efforts. Yet he waned against the bulky Arsenal full-backs.
Pascal Struijk can't quite block Bukayo Saka's fierce effort
Pascal Struijk can't quite block Bukayo Saka's fierce effort (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Anton Stach got a rude awakening after an excellent Premier League debut, the German left on his haunches panting for breath. Ao Tanaka was muzzled, a ploy that will be attempted frequently this season.
Obviously, none of the defence came out shining and cut frustrated figures. Jayden Bogle and Joe Rodon attained knowledgeable positioning last season but had a back and forth with one another over the matter at one stage on Saturday.
Now, of course, Leeds will not be playing the quality of Arsenal every week. But confidence and hope will be a key component of this campaign and it is important not to let that shrink. Fortunately, such a loss has come too early for that to gravely happen just yet.
But more than half of the team fielded on Saturday are first-choice picks. That’s one truth Leeds need to stomach quickly. They must learn, adapt and move on. Farke said that more signings would not have prevented the result, and he is correct.
That is why it is so important he gets tactics spot on. With one week to go until the window closes, only so much can be done.
It’s too early to rush to any judgements and there is hope of what might be when all are fit. Even when they have not been, Leeds managed to eke out a win. And obviously Leeds will not be playing the calibre of Arsenal every week.
But with most of the first choice players on the pitch, the loss was more due to instructions than personnel - though both were lacking.
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