(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Wed 22 April 2026 20:47, UK Updated Wed 22 April 2026 21:03, UK

Daniel Farke suffered a big problem during Leeds United‘s first half against Bournemouth, as Gabriel Gudmundsson kept getting exposed down the left-hand side of defence.

The Whites went a whole 20 minutes without a touch in Bournemouth’s box on their trip to the Vitality Stadium this Wednesday, but that wasn’t the only problem.

Farke’s teamsheet may have surprised some fans, especially the bench, which included Dan James, but not Ilia Gruev due to injury.

However, fan-favourite Gudmundsson was always a nailed on starter, but nobody would have seen his first-half display coming.

Gudmundsson was undone by Alex Jimenez multiple times, and it exposed a big issue for Farke.

Daniel Farke needs to assess Gabriel Gudmundsson’s role

Bournemouth found the majority of their success down Leeds’ left-hand side in the first 45, with Jimenez and David Brooks creating multiple chances.

The Whites were lucky not to have conceded in the early stages of the game, especially considering that their Premier League status is up for grabs.

For all that Gudmundsson is great going forward, his advanced positioning means that he can get caught out too often.

That was on full display against Bournemouth, and Farke really needs to look at changing things for the second 45 and beyond this match in general.

The Cherries’ best chance of the game came in the 42nd minute, and guess which one of the game it was? That’s right, down the left side of Leeds’ defence. Ryan Christie came round the back post and was denied a point-blank effort thanks to Karl Darlow.

Gudmundsson has been an excellent signing for Leeds, but Farke risks ruining the Swede’s reputation in LS11.

Karl Darlow was very impressive vs Bournemouth

Darlow made the big stop to deny Christie before the break, but his overall game was very assuring for the Whites.

The shot-stopper has been in a battle with Lucas Perri to win over Farke’s trust, but he showed great command of his area, coming to claim the ball on multiple occasions when danger was present.

• Darlow made two saves
• He prevented 0.18 goals

The Welshman made two saves in the first 45, and even made a dramatic punching save to keep the Cherries from scoring.

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but the 35-year-old continues proving people wrong in a Leeds shirt, and Farke has him to thank for the Whites being at the game at halftime.