Yorkshire | Is the Leeds boss under pressure?
Leeds United 1 - 2 Aston Villa
Aston Villa came from behind to secure a victory at Elland Road, leaving Leeds United and manager Daniel Farke under mounting pressure.
Leeds took an early lead after just eight minutes when Anton Stach outjumped Emi Martinez to meet a Sean Longstaff free-kick, with the ball eventually deflecting in off Lukas Nmecha following a VAR review.
Villa responded after the interval, with Donyell Malen providing a low cross for Tyler Rogers to equalise, one of two half-time changes by Unai Emery. Rogers then sealed the win with a superb free-kick 15 minutes from time.
Leeds thought they had an immediate equaliser, but VAR ruled Dominic Calvert-Lewin had handled the ball. The defeat leaves Leeds in the Premier League relegation zone after three successive losses, intensifying scrutiny of Farke’s position.
Let's explore some of the best reaction starting with the author's own thoughts of the match.
My own view
Where to start? Leaving Elland Road felt less like walking away from a match and more like stepping off a malfunctioning rollercoaster, shaken, queasy, and questioning why you ever got on in the first place.
The atmosphere was heavy with tension and frustration, a strange, sinking feeling that we are already sliding down a slope we hoped to avoid.
The murmurs in the South Stand were unmistakable. The manager is under intense scrutiny. Brendan Aaronson drew little encouragement from the crowd, while Lucas Perri faced criticism that could probably have been heard as far away as Beeston.
It is impossible to sugar-coat it. The manager’s position is untenable. His substitutions were disastrous in every respect, the timing, the choices, the effect. Fans were calling for Dan James to be brought on at least ten minutes before he eventually entered the pitch. By then, Aston Villa were comfortably in control.
The reaction of other Leeds fans
Lucas: Started the game well with a high tempo and looked promising for a while, but we just cannot seem to close out matches and end up losing from a winning position.
games like this aren't our battle. We need to just beat the teams around us. A few free hits coming up, Brentford is the next serious game.
— Matty (@matty_lufc1) November 23, 2025
Dave: As usual, Farke waits until we are a goal down before making his familiar substitutions, the same approach he uses in every game. Villa identified the problems at half-time and brought on substitutes who changed the game. Farke either cannot or will not do the same. It is time for a change.
Evan: Appalling. Destined for relegation once again. The Yorkshire yo-yo team. Too much to analyse fully, but ultimately the recruitment has been poor and we are not operating at a level competitive enough for the top flight. A major January window is crucial to give ourselves any chance of survival. Farke must go.
Tez: Unfortunately, Leeds are tactically naive and lack the firepower to stay up. Elland Road is no longer a fortress, and without changes, this Premier League visit will be short-lived.
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