Leeds United were defeated by Arsenal in the Premier League, with manager Daniel Farke criticizing Karl Darlow’s poor goalkeeping.
Darlow scored Arsenal’s second goal of the match, scoring the ball into their own net from Noni Madueke’s corner.
Coach Farke insisted after the match that his team should have defended their set-pieces better and that there was no need to concede an own goal in what was already a difficult game for the team.
Falke talks about Karl Darlow’s mistakes
He said (h/t Leeds Press): “I can’t praise them (Arsenal) too much for this goal or their set-piece routine. I think we should defend the situation better. Not a single Arsenal player came close.”
“Overall, we wanted to reduce the number of set-pieces in the first half. That would have made it easier for us, but I don’t think it’s necessary to score an own goal in this situation.”
Leeds need Darlow upgrade
The goalkeeping situation is a problem for Leeds United. They signed Lucas Perri in the summer transfer window, but the Brazilian has failed to impress. Darlow has been given the opportunity to establish himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, but he has shown he is not a Premier League level goalkeeper.
Darlow was linked with a move from the club in January.
It will be interesting to see if Leeds United can survive the season and secure Premier League safety with their current options. Strengthening the goalkeeping department will be a top priority heading into the summer. They need to bring in players who can dominate the box and add stability at the back.
It remains to be seen whether Perry and Darlow can increase their performance levels over the coming weeks to ensure the team is secure in the top flight. Leeds are fighting for survival and can’t afford a stupid mistake by their goalkeeper.
