Arsenal’s dominance highlighted by Leeds manager’s quotes | OneFootball

Arsenal’s authority at the top of the Premier League was underlined at Elland Road, with the opposition manager conceding his side were unable to trouble them.

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Daniel Farke admitted Leeds United were unable to trouble Arsenal after watching his side beaten 4-0 at Elland Road, conceding that his team “didn’t really get to create chances” against what he described as the best side in Europe.

Arsenal’s response to their defeat by Manchester United was emphatic, with Mikel Arteta rotating heavily yet still producing a performance that was controlled from the first minute. Nine changes from the midweek win over Kairat, and three from the game against United, did nothing to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm, even after Bukayo Saka was withdrawn late in the warm-up and replaced by Noni Madueke.

Madueke’s impact was huge. His delivery from open play led to the opening goal in the 27th minute, when Martin Zubimendi rose to head Arsenal in front. 10 minutes later, another Madueke delivery from a corner caused chaos, resulting in an own goal from Leeds’ keeper Karl Darlow, leaving Leeds chasing the game.

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Arsenal tightened their grip after the interval, dictating the tempo and continuing to create clear chances despite Saka’s absence.

Viktor Gyökeres extended the lead with a striker’s finish, showing strength and movement to get across his defender, despite being fouled, and convert Gabriel Martinelli’s cross, before Gabriel Jesus came off the bench to score a composed fourth.

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For Farke, the afternoon was a sobering reminder of the level required against a side like Arsenal. Speaking afterwards, he was frank in his assessment.

“Congratulations to Arsenal, deserved win,” he said.

“We have to accept that the better team won this game. We faced the best side currently in Europe. Why this team is the best team in Europe. You need a perfect day to give you the best chance, and a bit of luck.

“We didn’t have our very best day and they were on it from the first minute.

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“We decided to go for it in the second half, to get a foot back in the door, but we didn’t really get to create chances.”

He also pointed to the problems Arsenal’s forwards and set-piece threat caused throughout the match. “Gyokeres and especially Jesus, great movement, it shows what they can do if they have a bit more space. Set pieces are big for them and we gave a too few many away. Sometimes you clear a corner and there’s a second phase.”

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The verdict from the Leeds manager matched the picture on the pitch. Arsenal were sharper, stronger and more clinical throughout, delivering a near-flawless away performance that reinforced both their depth and their authority at the top of the league.