Leeds United were well beaten 4-0 by Arsenal on Saturday afternoon, highlighting two weak points in the Whites’ setup at both ends.
If you expected anything from our home meeting with Arsenal, then I have to commend your unshakeable optimism.
Leeds were playing Arsenal at the right time. But, what unfolded was a side fighting for its life, against the very best in Europe.
Leeds United 4-0 Arsenal: Do we need a new goalkeeper before the transfer deadline?
We could sit here and scrutinise plenty of the performance from Saturday. Leeds were second best across the board and made a rod for our own back so often for the goals we conceded.
What I’ll focus on is an ongoing, very alarming issue between the sticks.
Karl Darlow was rightly brought in to take Lucas Perri out of the firing line. I fancied Darlow to show why he’s been trusted to steady the ship with solid shot-stopping and command of his box, plus tidy distribution.
Instead, we got a performance that Perri was previously demolished for.
Leeds United’s Karl Darlow scores an own goal and Arsenal’s second. (Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith)
The own goal was enough to be frustrated. But, Darlow’s previously strong passing was nowhere to be seen, clipping several passes into touch and turning over possession a lot more than he usually does.
It begs the question, or perhaps casts a stronger spotlight on a pre-existing question. Should Leeds be looking for a goalkeeper before tomorrow’s deadline?
I noted yesterday that Stefan Ortega has gone to Nottingham Forest and that Leeds have missed a trick. Seeing that performance against Arsenal only heightens that feeling for me.
Leeds have interest in Perri, which was rejected presumably due to Besiktas making a pretty poor offer. If that somehow materialises in a more serious approach, Leeds could drastically improve survival hopes with a replacement.
Leeds United need to find a new striker to support Dominic Calvert-Lewin
At the other end of the pitch, I don’t think you can heavily critique Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s lack of contribution.
He was playing against the best centre-back (and best pairing) on the planet, and it showed. Gabriel gave him nothing.
Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action with Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes. (Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith)
That being said, we saw how little Leeds had as an alternative when the direct route to Calvert-Lewin wasn’t getting us anywhere.
As a result, I do think it makes sense for Leeds to have a consistent supporting striker. Lukas Nmecha’s partnership with him against Man City and Chelsea was formidable and we need to recapture that attacking threat of essentially having two focal points to aim for.
Whether it’s the £40million-plus Jorgen Strand Larsen, or an alternative, remains to be seen. It’s clear, though, that we need another option to supplement what Calvert-Lewin does so well.
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