Daniel Farke in over his head, Willy Gnonto fights on - Leeds 3 winners and losers v Arsenal
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(Credit: Imago)
Jack Heath
Sat 23 August 2025 19:50, UK
Leeds were torn apart by Arsenal 5-0 as they were brought straight back down to earth following their opening weekend victory over Everton.
The Peacocks were completely destroyed by a confident Arsenal outfit who breezed to victory courtesy of a double by Jurrien Timber, a home debut brace from Viktor Gyokeres and a Bukayo Saka thumper.
Special mention goes to 15-year-old Max Dowman who came on to win the Gunners’ penalty and looked lively for his senior debut in front of the Emirates.
With new signing from Crystal Palace Eberechi Eze looking on in delight, Football Insider looks at which Leeds players suffered and attempted to excel at the might of the north London outfit.
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A very tough afternoon for the Whites with few outstanding performers as they were played off the park by the Gunners.
However, Leeds’ fans can be relatively satisfied with the performance of Willy Gnonto who worked hard to track back and at least attempt to slow the red and white attack.
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The Italian won four of his six ground duels as he tracked back to help Gabriel Gudmundsson who struggled with the might of Saka.
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Slim pickings for winners but again the German was one of the shining lights after his awesome debut versus Everton.
Even though the Leeds midfield was run ragged today, Anton Stach still managed to supply three key passes, highlighting his forward-thinking play, even if he did concede a soft late penalty against Max Dowman.
The midfield struggled in the absence of Ethan Ampadu, but if the 26-year-old can stay fit, I could envision him being the Player of the Season for the Yorkshire outfit.
On a miserable afternoon the Germany international still put in an admirable effort (Credit: Imago)
We really are clutching at straws here with there being so many awful displays across the team for the newly promoted side.
The Welshman, like Gnonto, tried his best to work hard for the team in his pressing and was one of the few players testing David Raya.
The former Man United winger won both of his duels and had two shots blocked, highlighting that, at a bare minimum, he was trying to get the team moving forward despite immense pressure.
A tough day at the office for the Wales international (Credit: Imago)
Hooked on the 58th minute, the Japanese struggled with the intensity and speed of both Arsenal and the Premier League.
The number 22 won none of his five duels during the match, was dribbled past three times and loss possession on five occasions, summing up a miserable evening for the midfielder.
Tonight was a harsh learning curve for the 26-year-old who was miles off the pace, chasing red and white shadows.
Ao Tanaka v Arsenal (23 August)Minutes played58Touches25Possession lost5Dribbled past3Duels (won)5 (0)(Source: Sofascore)
After impressing on his league debut against the Toffees, the Swede really struggled up against one of the league’s best wingers Saka.
The left-back could only win two of his 12 duels as Saka, Noni Madueke and Dowman all had a field day against the former Lille defender.
For sure, he will bounce back from a poor performance, just like all the defenders, but it was a harsh lesson that not every week you will face a toothless Everton side.
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After a strong debut, the Swede was shot back down to earth after a humbling by the Gunners
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Following a severe amount of criticism due to his poor Premier League record with Norwich City on two occasions, doubts were placed over the German’s head before the season begun.
The victory over Everton gave the Peacocks a much needed boost, but this heavy defeat may show that Daniel Farke is out of his depth in the Premier League.
Rather than sitting in a compact low-block, Leeds made the mistake of going toe-to-toe with the Gunners and got blown apart.
Coming up to the English top-flight, picking and choosing your fights is how promoted teams survive, and the Whites’ boss needs to incorporate this mentality or otherwise will send yet another team straight back down again.
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