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Leeds United star comes under fire after major mistake against Arsenal: “Not sure”

by
Kris Sanyal
October 10, 2026

Leeds United Credit: Imago

Leeds United will be frustrated to leave the Emirates empty-handed after pushing Arsenal hard, only to see their unbeaten Premier League start end in a 2-1 defeat.

Defender James Justin gave Daniel Farke’s side a deserved lead early in the second half, but Leeds could not hold on as the hosts responded.

Justin’s 55th-minute strike put Leeds ahead after Gabriel Gudmundsson’s delivery, and Farke’s side believed they could pull off a surprise. However, Riccardo Calafiori levelled seven minutes later, before substitute Bruno Guimaraes put Arsenal ahead in the 70th minute.

Leeds had chances in an encouraging first half but were punished when Arsenal’s changes shifted the momentum. It is a disappointing result, especially after such a promising start, but the performance showed the Whites can trouble top opposition.

James Trafford questioned by Ally McCoist

The Leeds goalkeeper has been excellent this season, but his performance at the Emirates today came under fire because of the nature of Arsenal’s equaliser.

Riccardo Calafiori’s shot had little power, and Trafford got both hands to it. However, he couldn’t stop it from nestling into the back of the net.

Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist was on commentary today, and he indicated that Trafford could have done much better to prevent that first Arsenal goal.

He conceded that while it was a simple finish for Calafiori, the Leeds goalkeeper did get to the shot and got both hands to it.

McCoist said on TNT Sports: “Goalkeeper James Trafford gets a hand to it; not sure if he should do better there.

“The ball drops to Riccardo Calafiori, and it’s a simple finish.”

Trafford deserves a pass

James Trafford deserves defending despite Leeds United’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, even if questions will inevitably arise about his role in the opening goal.

It is easy to judge a goalkeeper on one costly moment, but that should not overshadow the bigger picture. Trafford faced an Arsenal side with considerable attacking quality at the Emirates, and one incident shouldn’t define his entire performance.

The first goal was frustrating for Leeds, especially after Daniel Farke’s side worked hard to stay in the contest. Trafford may feel he could have done better, but goalkeeping errors need to be judged in context rather than through slow-motion replays and hindsight.

Leeds ultimately lost by a single goal, with Arsenal turning the game around after James Justin had given the visitors the lead. Trafford will have lessons to learn from the afternoon, but writing him off over one moment would be premature.