'Not a Season-Defining Game' – Leeds' Farke Not Worried Despite Arsenal Humbling

'Not a Season-Defining Game' – Leeds' Farke Not Worried Despite Arsenal Humbling

Leeds boss Daniel Farke insists the heavy defeat to Arsenal is 'not a season-defining game' and remains confident despite the heavy Premier League 5-0 defeat on Saturday (August 23).

The West Yorkshire club were brought back down to Earth having earned an important 1-0 win over Everton in their first game back in the Premier League.

Leeds’ second was a trip to title contenders Arsenal, who beat them comfortably thanks to goals from Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, and Viktor Gyokeres.

Speaking to the press after the game, Farke didn’t appear to be too concerned about their hopes this season despite the heavy defeat.

Farke said: "It was always a difficult (task) for us, travelling here without our most important player, our captain Ethan Ampadu."

"And then, of course, you wish to have Arsenal after a Champions League game or something, not their first home game of the season and on the back of a big win away at Manchester United.

"All of their new signings were paraded before the game, the stadium was buzzing, and they are on it. The first 10-15 minutes we had to suffer and then I think we came back into the game. Struijk's header was the best chance of the game, but it was a very good save from their keeper.

"It was annoying to concede out of a set piece. We underestimated their counter press a little bit, and they scored out for a difficult angle for 2-0.

"Second half, five shots on target, five goals. It is difficult when they are so effective. Long story short, they were the better side and deserved to win this game.0

"If you want to come away with points on such nights, you have to be better in these situations. But we know this is not a season-defining game for us."