Micah Richards has heaped praise on eight Leeds United stars including Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.
Leeds saw their unbeaten start to the Premier League season come to an end at the Emirates but while the scoreline in London was all too familiar, the performance was not. Daniel Farke’s side went toe-to-toe with last season’s champions, deservedly going ahead through James Justin on 55 minutes.
Sign up to our Leeds United newsletter
Two goals in eight minutes from Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimaraes turned the tide but Leeds caused Arsenal plenty of problems, their performance a far cry from last year’s 5-0 thumping. Farke and his squad cut disappointed figures after full-time but Richards believes they have a lot to be encouraged by.
Leeds United lost at Arsenal last time out but will be full of confidence heading into this weekend.placeholder image
Leeds United lost at Arsenal last time out but will be full of confidence heading into this weekend. | Getty Images
"Ao Tanaka was brilliant,” he told The Rest Is Football. “I know we talked about him in the Championship - and no, I know I didn't discover him - so I'm not saying anything you don't know. Ethan Ampadu is excellent, and I love Stach, his energy, he's everywhere.
For the latest Whites news, sign up for the YEP’s free Leeds newsletter
“Noah Okafor plays in the number 10 but drifts to the left and then goes forward. Calvert-Lewin holds it up so well. His hold-up play is underrated. I also love the relationship between Jayden Bogle and James Justin down the right-hand side. Sometimes one will go and one will stay, and vice-versa.
“Tarik Muharemovic has been class; really, really good. Farke's got the balance absolutely right between the running power, confidence in the players and the way they take the game to anyone they play. They don't deviate away from what they want to do which makes them such a good watch."
Most impressive from Leeds was the fact their 1-0 lead as the hour mark passed was no smash and grab. Farke’s side held a solid defensive shape to keep the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard quiet while also causing their rock-solid defence back line plenty of problems.
"I was really impressed by Leeds,” former striker Alan Shearer said. “Like Brighton and Brentford, whoever Leeds play know they'll be in a game. They more than matched Arsenal and went 1-0 up. That was the kick up the backside for Arsenal, then the substitutions came on and the quality told."
Gary Lineker also agreed with the verdict of Richards and Shearer while looking ahead to Sunday’s massive game at Elland Road. He added: "They've got something. They'll certainly cause [Manchester] United trouble next weekend."