Leeds slammed over ‘pandemonium’ vs Arsenal as footage surfaces: ‘How can do they do this?’
Leeds lost 4-0 to Arsenal at Elland Road on Saturday.
Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring for the league leaders, before Karl Darlow could only punch the pull into his own net after a wicked corner from Noni Madueke.
Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus both scored in the second half to take the game away from Daniel Farke’s side and secure a comfortable victory for the Gunners.
The result leaves them in 16th place, although with West Ham also losing on Saturday, the gap between themselves and the drop zone is still six points.
This was such an uncharacteristic performance from Leeds, and Shay Given did not hold back on their defending.
Shay Given criticises Leeds’ defending at corners vs Arsenal
Lucas Perri was dropped for Darlow after a string of poor displays, but after scoring an own goal at Elland Road, the Wales international’s place in the team could be in danger.
The first goal came from a corner that was recycled out to the right wing, while the second came from uncertainty between Darlow and Calvert-Lewin.
Madueke’s cross was curling in at the near post, and Calvert-Lewin accidentally impeded his own goalkeeper, which led to the goalkeeper punching the ball into his own goal.
| Leeds | Stat | Arsenal |
| 50% | Possession | 50% |
| 3 | Shots | 14 |
| 0.15 | xG | 2.19 |
| 0 | Big chances | 6 |
| 46% | Ground duels won | 54% |
Speaking on Match of the Day on 31 January, Given analysed Leeds’ inability to deal with Arsenal’s corners.
He said: “I’m not taking anything away from Arsenal, but from a defensive aspect, how can they do this better?
“Look how many bodies are in the six-yard box, there are 16 bodies in there, including the goalkeeper.
“I think he shouts at Calvert-Lewin to leave it, but it’s just a mess from their point of view.
“It’s poor defending from Leeds, and the first two goals killed the atmosphere.
While it’s widely known that Mikel Arteta’s side are incredibly impressive from set-piece situations, the Whites completely failed to deal with their aerial threat.
Leeds’ defeat vs Arsenal was a wake-up call for Daniel Farke
Arsenal were clearly expected to win in LS11, but it was the manner of Leeds’ defeat that is a real worry.
Leeds have been on cloud nine in recent weeks, and the last time they lost at home was against Aston Villa back on 23 November.
However, they were completely outclassed from start to finish by Arsenal, and it shows that there is still a lot of improvement needed if they wish to avoid relegation comfortably.
Having a six-point cushion over 18th-placed West Ham is certainly a huge advantage, although they still need 14 more points this season before they can feel safe.
While a loss to Arsenal won’t define their season, Leeds and Farke will be wary that they have to be much better when defending their own box.
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