Micah Richards has urged Leeds United to stop making ‘basic’ mistakes and wants players to take more responsibility on the pitch ahead of hosting Arsenal, via his Daily Mail column.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side welcome the Gunners to Elland Road on Saturday, seeking a response to losing 7-0 at Manchester City. The loss left the Whites 16th in the Premier League table and just five-points clear of the relegation zone, but having played two more than Burnley.
Leeds have also only won one of their last seven games, and just two of eight at home this term. They will now host a confident Arsenal side, who have moved into the top-four spots.
Leeds stunned Richards in Man City hammering
Richards does not fear for Leeds’ Premier League status, despite their hazardous position in the table ahead of hosting Arsenal. But the former England defender wants Bielsa to make immediate changes to how the Whites operate on the pitch to address their poor form.
The Elland Road outfit stunned Richards during their hammering at Manchester City after failing to make changes to their gameplan, despite Pep Guardiola’s side being in control.
“It may seem odd to say about a team that has just been beaten 7-0 and is close to the relegation zone, but I have no worries for Leeds,” Richards wrote.
“Some of the things they do baffle me. Such as continuing to play man-for-man against Manchester City when they were already losing 3-0. But I don’t expect them to be relegated, and I don’t think that result at the Etihad reflects where they are.
“There are some areas they have got to get to grips with, though. On the pitch, players have to take responsibility when things are not going well. They can’t keep making basic mistakes over and over again.”
Arsenal will look to exploit any failings if Bielsa does not make changes
Manchester City played at their best to beat Leeds, who could have conceded more than the seven goals allowed. Guardiola’s side displayed total dominance over Bielsa’s, whose defence struggled to cope with the league-leaders from the start.
Arsenal will smell blood if Leeds afford Mikel Arteta’s side the same chances to start on the front foot. The Gunners will arrive in high spirits – especially attackers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. They will look to run through the Whites if allowed time on the ball.
Saka’s efforts in Arsenal’s win over West Ham in midweek even impressed some Irons fans. While Ian Wright hailed Martinelli’s willingness to run into gaps and produce the finish.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
