Leeds United endured a punishing loss at the Emirates Stadium in their opening fixture, with manager Daniel Farke conceding his side was comprehensively outplayed by Arsenal.
The visitors struggled from the outset as the Gunners, buoyed by their home crowd and fresh from victory at Manchester United, dominated proceedings.
Farke acknowledged the challenging circumstances, noting Arsenal were at full strength for their first home match whilst his team faced the daunting task without key personnel.
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Daniel Farke was shown the reality of the Premier League
|REUTERS
"Long story short, they were the better side and deserved to win this game," Farke admitted after the match.
The Leeds manager continued: "It is difficult. The first 10-15 minutes we were not confident enough on the ball to scare them but then we grew into the game and had three or four situations.
"You feel that if they have to defend more they get nervous and the stadium gets nervous.
"And then if you allow them to get the two goals before half time they hit full flow in the second half. Then you have to stay in the game."
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The Yorkshire side's defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed throughout the match, with particular weaknesses evident when defending set-pieces and attacks from wide positions.
Farke expressed frustration that Timber managed to net twice whilst positioned directly between Leeds' most reliable defensive players.
"It was annoying that Timber scored twice from right in between my two strongest defensive players.
"If you want to come away with points on such nights you have to be better in these situations."
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Ethan Ampadu was injured in last week's game against Everton
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The visitors found themselves unable to cope with Arsenal's threat from the flanks, despite managing to restrict opportunities through central areas during the opening stages.
The Yorkshire club's preparations were severely hampered by the unavailability of their skipper Ethan Ampadu, whom Farke identified as their most crucial player.
"It was always a difficult task for us, travelling here without our most important player, our captain Ethan Ampadu," the manager revealed.
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Arsenal's remarkable precision in front of goal proved devastating, particularly after the interval when they demonstrated extraordinary clinical finishing.
The Gunners capitalised on every opportunity that came their way during the second period, converting each attempt that tested the Leeds goalkeeper.
"Second half, five shots on target, five goals. It is difficult when they are so effective," Farke explained, underlining the hosts' ruthless efficiency in front of goal.
Leeds attempted to salvage something from the match as it entered its final third, pushing forward in search of a consolation strike.
Daniel Farke was happy with the team in the final 30 minutes
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The visitors showed greater defensive organisation from the hour mark onwards, preventing a complete collapse despite the scoreline.
"Even the reaction before the end of the game, from minute 60 we were more solid and didn't fall apart," Farke noted.
"We wanted to get a consolation goal, and we went for it but we were not able to get it."
The manager accepted the harsh reality of the evening whilst emphasising the need to move forward quickly.
"You have to accept it was a tough night and we have to recover quickly and prepare for the next one," he concluded to Sky Sports.