Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has delivered a glowing assessment of Arsenal's quality, labelling Mikel Arteta's side the 'best team in Europe' following a dominant 4-0 victory for the Gunners at Elland Road on Saturday.
Farke's Full Credit to Superior Arsenal
In his post-match comments, Farke was unequivocal in his praise for the visitors, who extended their lead at the Premier League summit to seven points with an imperious display. 'First of all, congratulations to Arsenal,' Farke stated. 'A deserved win today so I have to say we have to accept that the better team won this game.'
The German coach elaborated on the formidable challenge his team faced, acknowledging Arsenal's current standing. 'Of course we were realistic before we faced today the best side currently in Europe. There are reasons why this team is sitting on top of the table in the Premier League, why this team is the best team currently in Europe, eight wins out of eight Champions League games.'
Arsenal's Clinical Display Seals Victory
The match was effectively decided in the first half. Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring with a header from Noni Madueke's cross, before a Karl Darlow own goal from another Madueke delivery doubled Arsenal's advantage before the break.
Farke admitted his side's shortcomings in key moments contributed to the deficit. 'We defended the corners pretty spot on but the problem was if you then clear sometimes a corner and there is a second phase... to concede out of this situation was tricky. The second was more or less an own goal... if you concede two goals like this and you are 2-0 down against the best side in Europe then it was always clear it would be a long afternoon.'
Jesus Earns Special 'Unbelievable' Praise
After the interval, Leeds attempted to mount a comeback, but Arsenal's quality shone through. Viktor Gyokeres netted for the second game running before Gabriel Jesus applied a neat finish to complete the scoring.
It was Jesus's performance that drew particular acclaim from the Leeds boss. Farke highlighted the Brazilian's decisive contribution for the fourth goal, describing his movement as 'unbelievable'. He explained, 'The gaps were then more or less a bit bigger for their offensive players and then Viktor Gyokeres and especially Gabriel Jesus was unbelievable with movement for the fourth goal, they showed then their quality and what they can do if they have a bit more space.'
Looking Ahead for Leeds After Heavy Defeat
Despite the heavy loss, Farke insisted the result would not define Leeds United's season. He emphasised the need for perspective and a swift refocus. 'This type of game is not season-defining. We will put this game pretty quick to bed and from tomorrow on we concentrate only on Nottingham Forest here on Friday evening.'
He concluded by reiterating his admiration for Arsenal's performance, attributing the outcome purely to their superior quality on the day. 'For that, again their offensive quality was better today... not too many hard feelings and just congratulations for the quality Arsenal have shown today.'
The result solidifies Arsenal's position at the top of the Premier League, while Leeds will aim to regroup quickly ahead of their next Championship fixture.
