Leeds United’s unbeaten Premier League run ended at the Emirates on Saturday, when Arsenal beat them 2-1 in a closely fought match.
James Justin’s second-half striker threatened an upset. However, the Gunners fought back like the champions they are and won all three points.
Daniel Farke revealed his frustration at the referee following the game. However, he was proud of the overall performance and how his team pushed the reigning champions all the way.
Former Leeds boss David O’Leary believes a top-half finish this season would be fantastic for Leeds, and he has now highlighted two Whites stars as the team’s real difference-makers.
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Two Leeds stars get the flowers from David O’Leary
The former Leeds boss lavished praise on Daniel Farke for finding a system that suits his players and turning them into a side that are extremely hard to play against.
He believes James Trafford’s arrival has made a big difference as Leeds finally have a goalkeeper who the defence can trust.
O’Leary also insisted that Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front is Leeds’ real talisman and is finally showing his qualities after overcoming his injury problems.
“Daniel Farke has landed on a system, which has worked out great for them”, O’Leary said on TNT Sports.
“The players know how to play it, and it suits them.
“They are a big team, and they are a team that work very hard. They’re hard to break down, and they are defensively solid.
“In the summer they have added to it, and I think a big difference is that they have been able to add Trafford at the back.
“As a goalkeeper, I think he has given confidence to the players in front of him.
“Then at the other end of the pitch, you’ve got Dominic Calvert-Lewin who is staying fit.
“That was the only doubt when they signed him, because we have never doubted what a top-quality centre-forward he is.
“It has always been about whether he can stay fit, and he has. Those two players have been a great added bonus for Leeds.”
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James Trafford’s error against Arsenal should be a one-off
The former Manchester City goalkeeper has been brilliant since his arrival in the summer for a club-record fee. However, the Arsenal game was a blip.
He should have saved Riccardo Calafiori’s equaliser, and who knows what could have happened if Arsenal were denied a goal at that moment.
Trafford has come under fire for the mistake. However, he has done too much good already for that error to define his time as a Leeds player.
He is on the cusp of becoming England number 1 and has already shown why he will be a mainstay for club and country in the coming years.
Trafford will get over that error soon and will be look to be at his best when Leeds host Manchester United at Elland Road next weekend.
