Marcelo Bielsa refused to blame Leeds injury issues for crushing Arsenal defeat

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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa declined to blame injuries for his side’s 4-1 loss to Arsenal on Saturday.

The Whites were crushed 7-0 by Manchester City midweek and things turned from bad to worse as they were torn apart by a clinical Arsenal team.

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Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli shot at home early after an Adam Forshaw mistake before qualifying for the brace shortly after. Bukayo Saka scored three shortly before the half-time whistle with a deflected effort.

Raphinha pulled one out in the second half after Ben White knocked down Joe Gelhardt to give Leeds some hope. However, Emile Smith Rowe landed a fourth to give Arsenal the victory.

Leeds were without a number of first team stars with youngsters like Gelhardt and Cody Drameh securing starting roles. The entire Leeds bench was made up of players under 23.

However, Bielsa refuses to blame the injuries for his teams’ performances.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the Leeds boss said: “Two different halves. The second half we could have won it but the first half we could have lost it with more goals .

“The loss of the ball in our half of the field and in the middle of the field increases the attacking power of the opponent. To increase the amount of danger we can create, we need to get the ball back when they are playing.

“They were able to take the ball away from us when we were trying to build and attack and we couldn’t – that’s what makes the difference.

“We’re all used to playing together. We are preparing with all the players.

“They kept us out of their half with a combined game. By their recoveries and the accumulation of their game, they created a danger. “

Jack Harrison, Raphinha and Stuart Dallas all suffered injuries in the clash with Arsenal, but Bielsa was quick to downplay the severity.

“These are just blows.”

Former Leeds man Jermaine Beckford has admitted it has been a very bad week for Leeds.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Beckford said: “It has been disastrous in recent weeks [for Leeds]. Injuries to key players, [injuries to] the starting XI.

“It was extremely disappointing from a creativity point of view. Defensively, Leeds were everywhere, it was too easy for Alexandre Lacazette to lose his man. Arsenal wingers have exploited Leeds very well.

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