“MEN AGAINST BOYS” PAUL MERSON DIDN’T HOLD BACK AFTER WATCHING THIS ONE-SIDED DEMOLITION
In the build-up to kick-off, most observers expected a closely fought contest, with Leeds hoping to make home advantage count. Instead, the game followed a worrying pattern that has already emerged this season. Much like their earlier meeting in the campaign, Arsenal proved far too strong, running out comfortable four-goal winners and barely allowing Leeds a foothold in the match.
The visitors took control early and never looked back. Their authority was established in the first half when Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring, punishing Leeds after sustained pressure. The situation worsened for the hosts before the break, as a defensive lapse from a corner resulted in Karl Darlow inadvertently turning the ball into his own net, gifting Arsenal a commanding two-goal cushion at half-time.
Any hopes of a Leeds response after the interval quickly faded. Mikel Arteta’s men remained ruthless, adding two more unanswered goals in the second half to completely shut the contest down. Leeds struggled to create anything of note, failing to even trouble the Arsenal goalkeeper with a meaningful consolation attempt. It was a chastening display, summed up bluntly by pundit Paul Merson, who labelled the contest “men against boys.”
A major factor behind Arsenal’s dominance was their efficiency from set pieces. They repeatedly caused panic in the Leeds penalty area, exploiting poor organisation and weak defensive reactions. Zubimendi’s opener came moments after Leeds initially cleared a corner, only for Arsenal to recycle possession and strike. The second goal was even more damaging psychologically, with Noni Madueke’s delivery from a corner forcing Darlow into a costly error.
After the match, Leeds manager Daniel Farke did not hide his frustration, particularly with how his side defended those situations. While he refused to lavish praise on Arsenal’s routines, he made it clear that Leeds had only themselves to blame:
“I wouldn’t praise Arsenal too much for this goal or their set-piece routine. We have to defend this situation much better not even one Arsenal player was close.
Overall, I would have liked us to reduce the number of set pieces we conceded in the first half, because that would have made our lives easier. In this situation, there’s simply no need to score an own goal.”
The result has once again highlighted Leeds United’s ongoing goalkeeping dilemma. When Lucas Perri arrived in the summer, many believed the club had finally resolved an issue that plagued them last season following Illan Meslier’s struggles. However, while the Brazilian showed promise early on, his momentum was halted by injury. Since returning, his performances have been shaky, lacking the assurance required at Premier League level.
Farke has already voiced concerns about Perri’s errors in recent weeks, and his decision to drop him now appears justified. Yet Darlow’s display against Arsenal offered little reassurance either. Although he remains a capable backup, this match exposed his limitations against elite opposition, reinforcing the sense that Leeds are still without a truly reliable top-flight goalkeeper.
As the season progresses, that position is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. If Leeds are serious about competing and avoiding similar humiliations, addressing the situation between the posts may soon become unavoidable.
