Leeds United were handed a harsh lesson at Elland Road as Arsenal cruised to a 4–0 victory, stretching their advantage at the top of the Premier League to seven points.
An early goal from Martin Zubimendi, followed by a misfortune-laced own goal from Karl Darlow, saw the visitors head into the interval firmly in command with a two-goal lead.
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Although Leeds briefly showed some resolve after the restart, Viktor Gyokeres struck in the 69th minute to settle the contest, before Gabriel Jesus capped the afternoon with a late goal to underline Arsenal’s dominance.
It was a result the Whites will be keen to erase quickly, with the focus now on ensuring the heavy defeat does not disrupt their fight to stay in the Premier League.
However, Shay Given has identified the key culprit for the first two Arsenal goals in the first half, and it’s not Karl Darlow.
Leeds star Dominic Calvert-Lewin gets slammed for the first two Arsenal goals
The former Newcastle goalkeeper pointed out that Calvert-Lewin’s decision to step up created the space that Martin Zubimendi used to score the first goal.
He insisted that the Leeds forward had no need to make that decision, and if he had stayed in his position, it would have been an easy-headed clearance.
Darlow is getting slammed for the second goal, but Given insisted that the Leeds goalkeeper shouted for Calvert-Lewin to duck, but the striker made it a complete mess for him to collect the ball cleanly.
Given said on Match of the Day: “Look at Calvert-Lewin, he’s the man at the near post, and yes, he’s a striker, but he should stay in that position.
“Watch this space here that Zubamendi scores from, if Calvert-Lewin stays there, he heads this clear, he steps up for no apparent reason.
“It’s poor defending from Leeds and the first two goals, which sort of killed the atmosphere, you know what the atmosphere’s like at Elland Road, it’s brilliant, but these first two goals killed it.
“I think he shouts here, Darlow, but Calvert-Lewin should really duck, it’s a real mess at the back.”
Leeds have to find a way to forget this result
Calvert-Lewin should have done better to prevent those goals. However, there is plenty of blame to go around for the result on Saturday afternoon.
Leeds were not fancied to overcome Arsenal, even with their impressive record at Elland Road, but the scale of the 4–0 defeat still came as a shock.
Leeds United vs Arsenal – key match statistics comparison
Statistic Leeds United Arsenal
Shots 3 13
Shots on Target 1 7
Possession 51% 49%
Passes 390 396
Pass Accuracy 80% 86%
Fouls 10 8
After suffering a home setback against Manchester United last weekend, the league leaders were determined to respond, and Leeds ended up on the receiving end of a ruthless reaction.
Although results against a side of Arsenal’s quality are unlikely to shape Leeds’ season, displays like this can dent confidence if they are not swiftly put right.
Daniel Farke will need to make sure his squad quickly discards this performance and shifts full focus to what lies ahead.
A home win against Nottingham Forest next Friday night would help restore belief and lift the mood, which has been understandably knocked by today’s result.