Daniel Farke Leeds United
Leeds United were humbled at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon in their Premier League clash against Arsenal. It was the first time since November since the Whites had lost a game at home.
Before the match, everyone was expecting a tightly-contested game but the outcome was much different. Just like in the second Premier League game of the season, Arsenal put Leeds to the sword, scoring four goals. Their dominance started in the first half when Martin Zubimendi gave the Gunners the lead, an own goal by Karl Darlow doubled the away team’s advantage before half time.
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Mikel Arteta’s side killed off the game in the second half with two unanswered goals; Leeds United were unable to even record a consolation effort. It was a brutal defeat, which Paul Merson described as ‘men against boys‘.
Daniel Farke singles out Leeds United star after Arsenal game
Arsenal’s strength was set pieces, and they made the most of them during the match. Zubimendi’s first goal came about after Leeds had successfully cleared their lines following a corner kick. The Gunners’ second goal came about when Noni Madueke’s corner forced Karl Darlow to put the ball into his own net. After the game, Daniel Farke had some words for the Leeds United keeper on the day:
“Wouldn’t praise (Arsenal) too much for this goal, for their set-piece routine, I think we should defend this situation better, not even one Arsenal player was close.
“Overall, I would have wished to reduce their number of set-pieces in the first half, that would have made our life easier, but in this situation, I think there’s no need to score an own goal.”
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Goalkeeping situation still a problem
When Leeds United brought in Lucas Perri this summer, everyone around the club thought their problems had been solved. After what happened with Illan Meslier last season, a new option was needed in goal. But the Brazilian has not really impressed; after a decent start to the season, he picked up an injury. Since his return, his spell between the posts has been very unconvincing. Leeds United boss Daniel Farke recently criticized Perri for mistakes and has now resorted to benching the Brazilian. Karl Darlow showed today that while he can be a suitable deputy, he is not a Premier League level goalkeeper. The position is one the club need to seriously keep an eye on in the future.