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Renuka Odedra & Tom Coates

Graeme Souness blasts Leeds United as 'absolute shambles'

Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness blasted Leeds United after the lacklustre first-half display against Arsenal, describing the Whites as an 'absolute shambles'.

Leeds made a sluggish start against the Gunners, mirroring their midweek defeat to Manchester City by crawling out of the traps.

The visitors had a 2-0 lead within 28 minutes courtesy of a brace from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka added a third as the half-time whistle crept closer.

On his return to action following injury, defender Robin Koch pushed up to follow the run of Alexandre Lacazette, opening up space for Saka to exploit and etch his name on to the scoresheet.

Souness pulled no punches in his analysis of the goal and during Sky's half-time coverage, said: "Leeds play like they’re in the school playground, they really do. As a defender sometimes you’re confronted with a situation where you must decide what is the most dangerous.

"The danger there is Saka and that’s where his concentration should have been. Instead of running into midfield and making it easy for Arsenal.

"That scoreline does not flatter Arsenal. The point is, Leeds are an absolute shambles. I know you’re saying they’ve got young players and injuries. But, the way they are being asked to play games ain’t going to win you games in our Premier League."

The Whites won plenty of plaudits for their surge into the top half following promotion to the top flight last season but struggles with injuries and form have left Bielsa's men looking over their shoulder.

Although Leeds often ease players back in following spells out of the side, the current injury crisis meant Koch was ushered straight back into the starting XI.

Diego Llorente had featured in the previous 11 league games prior to the Arsenal clash but was absent, as was England youth international Charlie Cresswell.

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