Leeds 0-4 Arsenal: What Farke saidpublished at 17:32 GMT 31 January
17:32 GMT 31 January
Media caption,
Leeds manager Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Arsenal are top of the league for a reason, they deserved to win this game.
"Out of the game, they didn't have many chances in the first half. We gave away too many set pieces. If you concede two goals against Arsenal like this, it is a long afternoon. There's no need to score an own goal.
"If you have Gyokeres and Jesus, they are able to punish you and this happened today. Their quality today was too good and we have to accept it."
"We won't dwell on this game. It was always a difficult game. Today you have to show they have shown their quality. We will put this game to bed quickly and concentrate on the upcoming tasks."
Leeds suffered just their second defeat in their last 11 Premier League games (W3 D6), with today's defeat bringing an end to their five-game unbeaten run at Elland Road
Leeds v Arsenal: Team newspublished at 13:53 GMT 31 January
13:53 GMT 31 January
Alex Howell Football reporter
Daniel Farke makes just one change from the side that drew with Everton on Monday. Gudmonsson comes in for Bornauw. Leeds have an excellent record at home and have only lost twice at Elland Road all season.
Mikel Arteta makes a big call and drops club captain Martin Odegaard to the bench. Kai Havertz comes into midfield for his first start in the Premier League in around a year.
Arsenal starting XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v West Ham", for instance.
Calvert-Lewin praise for 'open-minded' Leeds staffpublished at 11:21 GMT 31 January
11:21 GMT 31 January
Image source, Getty Images
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has heaped praise on Leeds' medical department as he continues to construct an eye-catching season.
The 28-year-old was badly hampered by injuries during recent seasons at Everton but after a free transfer to Leeds during the summer, now has nine league goals to his name - his best return since scoring 16 in 2020-21.
Asked by BBC Sport how he has managed to feature in 21 of Leeds' 23 league games already this season, Calvert-Lewin said: "I would say that it's probably the, the whole picture. You know, the holistic approach of me, myself care of my body, taking care of my nutrition, putting extra emphasis on recovery and things like that, and just becoming more knowledgeable about all aspects of what it takes to be able to give 100% every week.
"And then also coming into a club where the the sports science staff and the physical staff, they're fantastic in my opinion, and they pay a lot of attention to detail and the testing that you go through.
"For me, it fits and is obviously working for me. They are very open-minded people. It's not like 'my way or the highway' kind of thing. They've allowed me to come in, listen to my side, listen to what works for me and how I can get back to my best physical peak. And I've also been open from from my side and listening to what they can advise. You know, they're the professionals. And having that open relationship as has been the key really."
In a wide-ranging interview, Calvert-Lewin told BBC Sport's Betty Glover that becoming a dad has also calmed him as an athlete and changed his views on the game.
He also discussed his focus on helping Leeds stay in the Premier League and the potential of featuring for England again, having made 11 caps.
Discussing his new life at Leeds, he added: "I get along really well with James Justin. He's he's my type of guy. You know, we sit and drink a coffee together. He's chilled, a family man.
"I really like Ethan Ampadu as well. He's 25 now so he's on the cusp. But he's a really good, natural leader. And he has the respect of everybody in the team and me coming into the team. I appreciate that I bring experience, but I've just enjoyed trying to help him as much as possible and help him grow as a player and as a person, as as my peers did for me at Everton. So my role has changed. So I'd say Ethan Ampadu, he's a top player with a lot of quality, so I can't say enough good things about him."
Sutton's predictions: Leeds v Arsenalpublished at 11:09 GMT 31 January
11:09 GMT 31 January
This is going to be a really good game, and it might tell us where Arsenal are at.
For starters, Leeds' recent home record is really good and I have been really impressed by the job their manager Daniel Farke has done. They were unlucky not to get three points against Everton on Monday.
On top of that, though, there are lots of question marks around the Gunners' form and whether the choke is on.
Plenty of Arsenal fans that I know are getting nervous and you are thinking, blimey, there are still 15 games to go... so heaven help them when they get into the home straight.
Arsenal hammered Leeds 5-0 at the Emirates in August, but now we are all wondering about their ability to score goals from open play.
I still think Mikel Arteta's side will win, but it is going to be very different to that last meeting. Instead, this is the type of game where they will go and grind a 'one-niller' out by nicking a set-piece goal.
Leeds United v Arsenal: Key statistics and talking pointspublished at 18:51 GMT 30 January
18:51 GMT 30 January
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Premier League leaders Arsenal are unlikely to have it easy against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday (15:00 GMT) as they look to steady their wobble at the summit of the table.
The Gunners have a healthy four-point advantage over Manchester City going into the weekend but seem vulnerable given their recent league form. Back-to-back 0–0 draws at home to Liverpool and away at Nottingham Forest were followed by a 3–2 loss to Manchester United last time out.
The atmosphere should be white-hot when they rock up in Yorkshire this weekend, with Leeds unlikely to take a backward step. Daniel Farke has made the team a serious proposition in recent weeks and they have relished bloodying the nose of some of the division's more glamorous names since their promotion.
Leeds looking up after superb surge
Leeds showed what they are all about in their 1–1 draw with Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday.
In the first half, they physically bossed and tactically outsmarted their opponents and should have been more than one goal ahead at the interval. When the inevitable Everton pressure came in the second half, they were able to bend rather than break, conceding a goal but coming away with a creditable 1–1 draw.
That point means Leeds have still lost only one of their last 10 Premier League games (W3, D6). No side have lost fewer matches since the start of December.
Image source, BBC Sport
While they have won just one of their 12 away games, they have frequently found an extra gear to get them over the line in front of their own supporters.
Leeds have lost only twice at Elland Road all season and beaten Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Everton, as well as picking up draws against Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle.
Arsenal out of sync as pressure builds
Arsenal do at least have some good memories of matches against Leeds, the most recent of which was a 5–0 win at the Emirates Stadium back in August.
Even at Elland Road, the Gunners have won four and drawn two of the previous six meetings.
Still, it is clear the balance is not quite right for Arsenal at the moment. Against Liverpool and Forest, they were arguably a little too cautious, whereas in the loss to United they never really felt in control of the game.
There has been plenty of focus on the forwards given their recent issues. Since the turn of the year, none of Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke nor Leandro Trossard have scored a Premier League goal.
But what kind of service are they getting? In recent years, Arsenal's main creative force has been captain Martin Odegaard. Lately, he has been well below his best too.
Speaking after the defeat to United, Odegaard said that "obviously" the team's three successive runners-up finishes were a factor in this title race. While the captain will need to showcase leadership during this trying spell, an uplift in his own performances on the pitch would undoubtedly help to calm nerves.
Farke on team fitness, transfers and Arsenalpublished at 16:06 GMT 29 January
16:06 GMT 29 January
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Elland Road (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha are unavailable, while there is a small possibility Gabriel Gudmundsson will return.
Nmecha felt an issue with his hamstring before Monday's draw at Everton and that is why Farke left him on the bench. The boss added it is "not a major issue" and he should be back for the following game against Nottingham Forest.
Farke said there will be no transfer activity based off those players being injured because they are sidelined in the short-term.
More on the looming transfer deadline: "It's our responsibility to give ourselves the best squad for the run-in because it's important not to fall asleep, but we can allow ourselves to be picky. It's good that we are not in a position where we have to panic."
He added that fans "should be proud" that the club are not scrambling in this window to do business as "it's a sign of stability".
Under-21s captain Alfie Cresswell has had "loan interest" in this transfer window but the club have rejected it. Farke said: "He is part of our training group and is progressing well. It doesn't mean he will have a debut against Arsenal, but there are chances to be involved in matchday squads right now and get a few minutes."
On opponents Arsenal: "One of the toughest tasks you can have, but we also know that if we are at our very best, especially at home at Elland Road, we can fight for points against any team. We know we need an outstanding day to have a chance but we know we are capable of doing this."
🎧Listen to Leeds v Arsenalpublished at 14:51 GMT 29 January
14:51 GMT 29 January
Image source, Getty Images
In-form Leeds United host league leaders Arsenal at Elland Road this weekend and you can hear full commentary from the BBC Radio Leeds team live from the ground.
Commentator Adam Pope and ex-United full-back Aidy White will bring you all the action as Daniel Farke's side try to put right the 5-0 drubbing at the Emirates in August.
You can listen live on Saturday, 31 January from 15:00 GMT on BBC Sounds here.
'Farke has enough to stay up without more January signings'published at 06:57 GMT 29 January
06:57 GMT 29 January
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope believes there is no "necessity" for the Whites to bring in another signing before the transfer window shuts on Monday evening.
Facundo Buonanotte's loan arrival from Brighton has been the only addition so far for Daniel Farke's side, but they have been linked with a late move for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
"I wouldn't say there is a necessity for more business to be done before the end of the transfer window," Pope told the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.
"Based on trying to read Daniel Farke's body language and his rhetoric, I think he's pretty transparent. He likes the group and feels strongly about the group.
"The real potential deal is the Strand Larsen one which still feels not a complete stretch but a bit of a reach to me.
"If Leeds didn't spend £35m or £40m would I be worried? No, I don't think there's that many quality strikers around.
"He is one, even though what I've seen this season hasn't been great, and had enough evidence to show he would be worth spending a bit of money on.
"I can't think of too many others.
"If the squad stayed as this, I think Farke has enough to stay up. But, not bringing anyone in during January - that would cause headloss among a load of people watching and listening to this right now.
"I don't think that would be the end of the world, but I would like another loan in at least."
'Farke must be as bold when Leeds are winning as when they are losing'published at 08:59 GMT 28 January
08:59 GMT 28 January
Adonis Storr Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
The rigidity of Daniel Farke's use of substitutions came back to bite again on Monday night in Liverpool as Leeds snatched a draw from victory against a lacklustre Everton side who were there for the taking.
It was massively frustrating to watch the Leeds manager take 40 minutes to react to David Moyes' half-time change in system. It is the German's one glaring and consistent fault – he is too slow and passive to react to opposition momentum when Leeds are leading.
This frustration is compounded because when United are trailing and Farke needs to affect the game, he has proved capable of making aggressive decisions that have worked brilliantly.
On a February night against Sunderland last year, Leeds were 1-0 down to their promotion rivals. Farke boldly took off Ao Tanaka and Illia Gruev and brought on Joe Rothwell and defender Pascal Struijk. Both substitutes combined twice to win the game.
While 2-0 down against Manchester City in November, Farke made a double substitution at half-time and switched Leeds' base formation in perhaps the boldest gamble of his career – a move that didn't affect that game's result but has transformed Leeds' season.
Farke is capable of calculated but aggressive moves to affect games, which is why it is so frustrating when he seemingly refuses to make changes when in the lead, in spite of a clear momentum shift.
Everton's changes at half-time had such a spectacular effect they demanded a reaction.
From enjoying the lion's share of the ball in the first half (53%) United's passing fell off a cliff in the second (31%). It was clear by the 60th minute that Leeds' players were tiring and Everton were building up so much momentum and belief that they would likely get an equaliser.
United are very difficult to beat, but to convert these draws to wins, Farke must be as bold when Leeds are winning, as he is when Leeds are losing.
'Bornauw proving to be a shrewd addition'published at 16:12 GMT 27 January
16:12 GMT 27 January
Tom Gayle MOTD commentator
Image source, Getty Images
Hot takes are commonplace in society. Thankfully hindsight is a wonderful thing. Back in October a publication ran with the headline '49ers wasted millions on Sebastiaan Bornauw investment, and it's backfiring for Leeds United.'
To give the article context, it was written nine games into the campaign, with Leeds' new defender still yet to make a Premier League appearance for the club.
An injury during pre-season, combined with manager Daniel Farke's then formational preference of a back four, featuring the experienced centre-half pairing of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, surely contributed to the Belgian's lack of game time.
In the here and now Bornauw has started three of the last five Premier League fixtures. From what I saw from the commentary box on Merseyside on Monday, he's proving to be a shrewd addition.
His imposing 6ft 3in stature clearly fits in with a recruitment shift towards greater physicality. The 26-year-old has the technical ability to play both long and short when bringing the ball out from the back, and even more importantly, he can defend, as demonstrated by his standout moment being the block made to deny Iliman Ndiaye's goal bound effort.
As is so often the case a player's patience for minutes needs to be balanced alongside the prospect of inevitable injuries to his team-mates. With Jacob Bijol set to remain sidelined until late February, on the evidence seen so far, Bornauw has a real chance to cement his place in the starting eleven.
🎧 Deadline day countdownpublished at 14:40 GMT 27 January
14:40 GMT 27 January
The latest Don't Go To Bed Just Yet is here and, after Leeds picked up a point on their first trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium, BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope are joined by Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix to reflect on how the game went.
The team also chat about the Whites' league position as they battle to pull away from the relegation spots and what can be expected in the final week of the transfer window.
Everton 1-1 Leeds - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:01 GMT 27 January
08:01 GMT 27 January
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We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Everton and Leeds.
Here are some of your comments:
Everton fans
Chris: Once again, we only seem to be able to play for one half at home. It's as if the team have no belief in the new stadium. Bigger crowd, better acoustics seem to scare them. It would make a refreshing change to see the team play a whole game the way they played the second half. It's so frustrating for the supporters that they play better away from our new stadium. They need to start believing in themselves. Goodison has gone.
Jeff: A win against lower-placed Leeds would have put us on 35 points, three points below fourth placed Manchester United - a spot that qualifies us for next season's Champions League. But a win was never going to happen, as we played at home. A home that does not feel like home. We would be better off playing all our matches away. Better stadium names, better atmosphere, better results.
Martin: The first half was terrible - particularly Dwight McNeil - but the changes at half-time worked. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall filled a gap and with sharper play from Idrissa Gueye we could have got all three points.
Kevin: First half wasn't good enough, and we can't keep dropping back in home games to let the away side get a foothold. Second half was better. The three centre-backs made it easier to control the ball, but it also took away an extra player in Leeds' third of the pitch. We could have won if we'd been more aggressive. Two points dropped at home, so not good enough!
Leeds fans
Chris: After a promising first half, the second half was a hard watch. We had no response to the Everton changes and were on the back foot most of the last 45. Daniel Farke's changes were so late it barely gave us a chance to fight for the win. A game we should have definitely taken three points from.
Jonathan: I feel like Farke left it far too late to make the substitutions. It was clear from the start of the second half that something needed to change, so I'm not sure why it was left so late on. We should have won that game but nothing was done early enough to calm the tempo down and break their dominance in the second half.
Jeremy: Great first half because it was played at tempo - but then couldn't match the levels and faded when Everton responded. I like the boss but he HAS to realise that subs can be brought on before the last 10. We continue to fail to make substitutions in sufficient time for any impact.
Brendan: We're on a great run. We look like a Premier League side. But after a great first half, Farke completely failed to react in the second half when Everton took control. We should have won that but were lucky to get a point in the end.
'Farke and players will relish opportunity against Arsenal'published at 07:35 GMT 27 January
07:35 GMT 27 January
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Leeds United's improvement was underlined by the obvious disappointment of manager Daniel Farke that they only left Everton with a point.
Farke, whose position appeared under threat after struggling at the start of their return to the Premier League, has fashioned a significant improvement to make Leeds look at home in the top flight.
Leeds were so much better than Everton in the first 45 minutes that a single-goal lead was nowhere near a reflection of their superiority.
In the final reckoning, the key moment was when Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck the post with a relatively simple chance with Leeds one up and in control.
The result leaves Leeds six points clear of the relegation places. On the evidence of this display, and others recently, they should not be harbouring any serious relegation concerns.
Farke said: "It is a good result, to come away to Everton is tough. A bit disappointed as well though as we were not far off winning it. We perhaps could have buried the game with a second goal."
The manager was under serious pressure earlier in the season, but he remained calm and has worked superbly to make Leeds United look like a Premier League team.
Leeds may have lost to Manchester City at the end of November, but the manner in which they came from 2-0 down early on to only lose to a stoppage-time goal from Phil Foden set the platform for improvement.
Farke switched to 3-5-2 at half-time, introducing Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha. It was a performance, even in defeat, that made Leeds suddenly feel comfortable in their own skin.
Leeds have lost only one game in 11 since then, one in 10 in the league, to give them real optimism of survival.
They face Arsenal at Elland Road on Saturday, a tough task for the Premier League leaders, who looked a bag of nerves in the home loss to Manchester United on Sunday.
It is a fixture Farke and his players will relish.
Everton 1-1 Leeds: What Farke and Justin saidpublished at 07:07 GMT 27 January
07:07 GMT 27 January
Media caption,
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It's a tough place to go, especially without a few key players, and to come away with a point is a good result for us.
"We were a bit unlucky that, out of our dominance and chances created in the first half, we did not score the second goal. In the second half, it was clear that at some point Everton would show up and have some chances. We didn't allow too many. I'm a bit disappointed - we could have defended the goal situation sharper.
"I haven't checked the expected goals and shots against, but the gut feeling was that even in this moment we were the better side. There was not much missing at all to win this game.
"We were dominant, we were brave out of possession, defensively well structured and brave on the ball. It was not to be to win it but we take a point and move on."
On momentum: "It is a nice sign that we are moving one step closer to our goal. To come here and put in this performance is encouraging, but the job is not done yet. We have to keep going and need to win more points - and for that, it is important that we are competitive like this.
"In seasons you have ups and downs. We have momentum and we want to ride the momentum further."
On James Justin's performance and goal: "He embodies a lot of what we are about. Great team spirit, great character and great lad. Whenever, wherever I need him, he always delivers. I can count on him to be a reliable player and he is a top character. It's great we have him at Leeds United."
Leeds goalscorer Justin, speaking to Sky Sports: "We started the first half pretty well. We played quite well and went a goal up and had a few chances to make it more. They're a decent side and coming away to a place like this, they'll have their spells. We'll take a point.
"We had trust in the way we were playing and we had confidence coming into the game. It's ebbs and flows in football and you have to ride the wave when you can."
On his goal: "I got a bit of stick from one of the coaching staff because he said I arrive in the box too quickly, so I hung back. Glad to get on the scoresheet.
"It's a big step in the right direction for me. I've been playing recently and my body is feeling good."
What changed for Everton? "They brought on my mate Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall]. He was very good and finding space in the pocket. He was good when they brought him on - and the centre-half too [Jarrad Branthwaite]. That's the quality they have.
"We're not afraid to talk about our goal and that's to stay in the Premier League - no matter what. We want to keep putting points on the board."
Did you know?
No side has lost fewer Premier League games since the start of December than Leeds United's one, while only Aston Villa (22), Manchester City (21), Arsenal (20), Manchester United and Fulham (both 17) have collected more points in that time than their 15.
Justin has scored in two of his past three games, having netted against Derby County in the FA Cup - as many goals as in his previous 47 matches.
Sutton's predictions: Everton v Leedspublished at 08:58 GMT 26 January
08:58 GMT 26 January
I'm definitely adding Everton to my list of teams who are impossible to predict. They've had some brilliant results this season, and some really disappointing ones too.
They will be without the injured Jack Grealish here but they were depleted against Villa last time out and they were brilliant in that game.
Thierno Barry took his goal ever so well for their winner. I know it was close in but it was still a lovely finish.
When you watch Barry closely, he is frustrating sometimes but he is a real nuisance and he is so good in the air. I was impressed by Harrison Armstrong and Merlin Rohl as well, and having Iliman Ndiaye back after winning the Afcon with Senegal will lift Everton too.
Leeds beat Everton 1-0 at Elland Road with a late penalty at the start of the season, and this game will be just as tight.
I was going to go for an Everton win by the same scoreline but then I thought about Dominic Calvert-Lewin coming back to his old club. He is bound to score, isn't he?
