There were three impressive performances by Leeds United teams across the weekend, though sadly our men’s unbeaten start to the new campaign came to an end after a narrow loss at reigning champions Arsenal.
Yet to taste defeat in the Premier League this term, Daniel Farke’s Whites travelled to the Emirates knowing picking up a result in the capital would be a tall order. United were brilliant in the first hour, however, and led through James Justin’s emphatic finish following a quick move down the left.
The Gunners flexed their muscles before the end though and turned the tie on its head, seeing Leeds come away empty hand but proud of their display against Mikel Arteta’s men – something the boss made clear in his post-match press conference.
“It is a bit difficult to describe the emotions," said Farke at full-time. “Firstly congratulations to Arsenal, it is down to the mentality Mikel has implemented here. My emotions are a mix. I am heartbroken and gutted for my players, they deserved to travel back with points today. To travel back without points is tough. On the other hand, I am very proud of a top away performance. First half was on a really good level, didn’t allow any chances.
“We fully deserved to go in the lead, went for it and wanted the second goal. But Arsenal is the most consistent team in Europe, one of the best in the world. We tried everything to find another answer to equalise the game, it was not to be. We will take many, many positives from it.”
While one senior team’s unbeaten start came to an end, the other continued a spectacular start to the 2026/27 term. Leeds United Women’s 2-0 victory over Norton & Stockton Ancients made it 10 wins from 10 in all competitions.
First half efforts from Amy Woodruff and Drew Greene, the former’s eighth in Division One North in just six games, proved enough for Simon Wood’s side who have now collected 18 points and racked up a goal difference of +21.
“It feels amazing,” goalkeeper Holly Mears told LUTV. “I think all the team is happy about it and it is a really good thing to have, a 10th win. They were going to come out aggressive. We needed to maintain what we were doing and just keep pushing. Seeing as last week we conceded, I feel like this week we have played a good performance, not just me but everyone, so we could actually keep the clean sheet this time.”
In the Premier League Cup, Scott Gardner’s Under-21s picked up an important first win of the group stages with a 3-1 victory over Stockport County Under-21s. Alfie Cresswell opened the scoring in Guiseley before a Carrick Njinko first-half brace earned the Whites all three points. The exciting forward’s double takes him to eight in total for the season across all competitions!
Leeds currently occupy second place in Group I after the opening three fixtures, which would see the team qualify for the knockout rounds if things stay as they are.
Afterwards, Cresswell explained: “The boys were class tonight. I thought we were ruthless in front of goal, pressed really well, and happy to get the three points in the end. Scott said to start right in the game, so we all came out flying. Pressing well, we won it back.
“Got a corner and I scored from the corner. Everyone was buzzing, being 3-0 up at half time is a great thing, but we needed to come out for the second half firing as well. We were unlucky to concede their goal but then held them off.”
Elsewhere on the Academy front, Rob Etherington’s Under-18s had a week off U18 Premier League North duties and return to action on Saturday by hosting Middlesbrough.
How does this week look?
Our U21s kick off the week’s action by travelling to Sky Bet League Two side Oldham Athletic in the EFL Trophy. The Whites began Group G with a thrilling 4-3 triumph over Barnsley and head into the tie in Greater Manchester hoping to make it two from two. Tickets are available below and the match will also be live for viewers in the UK on Sky Sports.
Then, our U18s welcome Boro to Thorp Arch in Saturday’s only fixture, leading into what promises to be quite the Sunday in store… Clashes for Farke’s men don’t come much bigger, taking on bitter rivals Manchester United at Elland Road. Action gets underway at 2pm. Elsewhere, Leeds United Women travel to second place AFC Fylde in a top of the table clash, while the U21s host Crystal Palace in the Premier League 2.
