Leeds United

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix discuss James Trafford's error that led to Evanilson's goal in the Whites' 2-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Saturday.

Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Buchan said: "This has been coming with Trafford, he's been nearly caught in possession a number of times this season. He's had a couple of clearances blocked this season when players have closed him down quickly.

Rix added: "Let's call it a freak for now, because I don't know if it was a freak because there's been a couple of instances where he worries us slightly.

"We've talked about how if it was another Leeds keeper, it might have been more harshly judged on previous occasions. Indeed on this occasion, I think it's been brushed off as being like, he's already saved us a number of goals this season.

"He made another couple of good saves, I think on Saturday as well, right? But I just think, I don't know, it's his attitude is sensational. I sort of really wish I could be like that in a way where he just brushes stuff off.

"If he makes a mistake or whatever, he's just like, 'yep, that's a mistake', and then just carries on, which I think is what you need from a keeper. We don't need him to get broken by it. The worst possible thing that can happen is his confidence reduces."

Buchan also said: "I watched him very closely at the end of the game. You could see he was absolutely distraught. You could see it in his face. He was muttering to himself. He was looking up to the heavens. He was slumped at times. He gives off this aura of, 'oh well, crack on, we go again'."

Pope added: "It was a weird goal-kick, wasn't it? It was almost the two centre-backers were either side of it.

"One of them played it to him and then it's not like he was trying to step over and draw in, try and play the bounce pass off Ao Tanaka. He just got that bit wrong. That's all.

"So the intent was probably the right thing to do, wasn't it? It wasn't like he was under pressure and tried to play. He just hit the pass wrong. It's a split second thing."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

The team on Don't Go To Bed Just Yet have been discussing Daniel Farke's position at Leeds United.

One listener pointed to a number of manager examples, including at Brighton, he perceives as proof a club can appoint a route to progress.

But are Leeds still at an early point in their Premier League journey? Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix argues they are "at the Eddie Howe at Bournemouth stage".

Watch a clip above or listen to the full podcast on on BBC Sounds here

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Leeds United have won just one of their last eight Premier League games following their defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday.

On the latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix discuss Daniel Farke's tactics and ask if expectation levels need to be reassessed for this season.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Bournemouth and Leeds United.

Here are some of your comments:

Bournemouth fans

Paul: Sometimes you just have to win ugly and our ability to do that against a tough and disciplined Leeds team is another sign of our progress. Smart and timely substitutions helped us see the game out with yet another clean sheet. Love this team!

Terry: Congratulations to the players. That was a really hard-fought game with everyone giving their all. It was really tight until Leeds gifted us a goal. In true Bournemouth style, no "corner tennis" towards the end but still going for goal and earning the win outright with the last kick of the game.

Andy: More of the same from AFCB - we're still living the dream and still loving it!

Malcom: Leeds gave us a tougher test than opponents in the previous five games. They showed their intent, dominating the first 20 minutes. We got a foothold in the game and had to work hard to get some momentum. Gifted a goal that seemed to settle us. Two defences that had most things in control and allowing few chances at either end. Six wins in row with 16 goals and six clean sheets, a good time to be a Cherries fan.

Leeds fans

Gary: Daniel Farke's tactics are always too defensive. We needed pace to get past the Bournemouth defence. He takes off Daniel James and puts on Anton Stach who is slow and generally ineffective. Jean-Matteo Bahoya has pace but is given only six minutes. If we stick with Farke we will be in a relegation battle. The board need to act now and bring in Eddie Howe before Manchester United get him.

Alan: Same old same old, we can't do plan A very well so where's the plan 'B'? If something doesn't change soon, we'll be playing Manchester United in the Championship next season.

Andy: Farke has to go soon or we're going down. Too many draws and he's too happy with losing and playing well. 'Always proud of my boys' is his standard answer to poor displays. Time to go.

Julian: Not great but not bad either. We just need a spark to get us going. Harry Wilson isn't quite with it yet but it will come. Bahoya looked nervous when he came on and his time will come. Tottenham up next at Elland Road. A win would change everything.

Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Football can sometimes be tough and one of the most unfair sports in the world. Very often just one goal is decisive and even though you should win or not lose, you can lose such a game. A terrific first half performance, scored fantastic goals and just with margin ruled out. We could be more clinical and then out of nothing we scored more or less an own goal. If they are then 1-0 up they have the home crowd and it's also difficult. How strong they are they've proven over the last two months. Then they scored another.

"It's tough for the boys because performance wise, nothing to moan about. Sometimes you have to accept a loss. The team was a bit more clinical and for that congratulations to Bournemouth."

On the first goal: "Wrong decision. We are a side that doesn't just put the ball long. It's like an own goal out of nothing so it gave the belief to the stadium. If you make a mistake you can also lose a game. We're all human beings. We should have done better but it happens."

On whether it took belief away from Leeds: "It's normal because we should be in the lead and we spoke before about how difficult it is away at Bournemouth. Then you feel a bit sorry for yourself and it's important you then react quickly. It's a bit more difficult but this happens sometimes. You have to deal with setbacks. For a few moments it was more a bit of disbelief but we're all in this game for so long, we've all seen it happen."

On the disallowed goal: "I haven't watched it back. I was thinking we scored, if there was a handball we have to accept it."

On their lack of chances: "If one team is defending so deep and sometimes you need to force a goal, we could've been a bit more on it. It's definitely something we could've done better. It's more or less the only criticism."

Hear more from Farke on BBC Sounds here

Did you know?

• Leeds have failed to win in their last five games in the Premier League - their last longer winless streak was from 10th February 2026 to 21st March 2026, a run of six games.

Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

After four Premier League games without a win, this defeat was always going to sting for Leeds.

But the fact that Farke's side were sent on their way to only their second defeat of the campaign because of a lapse in concentration from the usually reliable Trafford will make it all the more frustrating.

It could have been a different story had Calvert-Lewin's goal not been ruled out early in the first half, or Wilson's low effort not trickled wide with the game still goalless.

Before Trafford's costly mistake shortly after the half-hour mark it had been a tight contest, and one Leeds would have fancied themselves to win and end their wait for a first Premier League victory since September.

But after Trafford's error undid much of the visitors' impressive early work, there was only ever likely to be one winner on the south coast.

Although Leeds have struggled to turn draws into victories over the past month, Farke's side have taken immense pride in their defensive solidity. Only Arsenal had conceded fewer goals (five) than the Whites (six) heading into this weekend's fixtures.

After nine matches, Leeds remain in ninth place, but the pressure could soon mount on Farke if he is unable to halt his side's winless run.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Bournemouth's performance

What did you make of Leeds' display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are eight games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Chelsea v Manchester United (12:30)

• Bournemouth v Leeds United

• Brentford v Nottingham Forest

• Coventry City v Sunderland - first half on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, second half on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Hull City v Ipswich Town

• Manchester City v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Tottenham v Crystal Palace (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Aston Villa v Fulham (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

How to follow the Premier League weekend across the BBC

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Brighton" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Coventry match", for example.

New this season: Live match updates

Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.

Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

Find out more here

Image source, BBC Sport

New this season: Match of the Day Predictor

Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.

Read more about it here

You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

AFC Bournemouth's season has sparked into life and they will be looking to continue their positive form on Saturday (15:00 GMT) in the Premier League, with Leeds United the visitors to the Vitality Stadium.

After earning their first league win of the season against Sunderland a fortnight ago with a 2-0 home success, the Cherries have beaten AC Milan, Manchester United and Aston Villa by 3-0 scorelines in consecutive games across different competitions. In all competitions, they have won five in a row, scoring 14 goals and conceding none.

Leeds started the season superbly, although they have lost some momentum in recent weeks after failing to win any of their last four matches. Daniel Farke's side remain one of the most difficult teams to beat in the top flight, nevertheless.

Brazilian brilliance pushing Bournemouth forward

Even during their winless run at the start of the Premier League season, there was a sense that Bournemouth were not getting the rub of the green.

They have accrued nine points this season, which is 4.5 fewer than their expected goals for and against would suggest. In the expected goals standings, Marco Rose's side are in fifth place, whereas in reality they are 13th.

The form of their star forward Evanilson has been key to the team getting points on the board over the past fortnight. The 27-year-old, a £40m signing from Porto in the summer of 2024, is enjoying his best spell for the club so far, showcasing a creative edge to match his scoring prowess.

Evanilson has three goals and four assists in the top flight this season, giving him as many goal contributions as he managed in the entirety of the previous campaign. Only Erling Haaland, with nine goals, and Joao Pedro, with five goals and three assists, have been more productive than him in the Premier League in 2026-27.

The forward has been supported superbly by midfielder James Tavernier, who has netted five times in the top flight and six times in all competitions.

Lean pickings for Leeds' opponents

Leeds may lack a cutting edge in the final third at times – they have scored only nine goals in eight games – but they are rock-solid at the back. Only Arsenal, with five, have conceded fewer goals than Leeds, who have let in six.

Their defensive strength has been bolstered by the summer signings of goalkeeper James Trafford and centre-back Tarik Muharemovic.

Trafford has settled into life at Leeds quickly and has been one of the standout stoppers in the division. The England international has the highest save percentage in the Premier League this season (82.4%), the second-highest number of saves (30) and the third-highest number of goals prevented (1.9).

Muharemovic also looks to be a shrewd pick-up for Farke's side. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has slotted in seamlessly on the left side of the three-man defence and has kept many a dangerous opponent quiet.

If Leeds are to stay in the hunt for European football, they will need to convert some of their dogged draws into wins. Five of their last seven games have ended in draws, while no team has drawn more matches in 2026 than the Whites, with 14.

Bournemouth are flying at the moment, with successive wins over Aston Villa, Manchester United and AC Milan.

Leeds are extremely well-structured, however, even if they are not free-scoring this season.

I am sure Daniel Farke would like his team to score more goals, but they don't give away a lot either.

Bournemouth are on a great run but I wonder how much the past week has taken out of them, and that makes me think Leeds could nick a point.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Leeds commentator Adam Pope has discussed Leeds' recent form with Ian Wilding ahead of Saturday's game at Bournemouth.

"Leeds are going well. There's no doubt about it, but there's a feeling just lately that they've let a few points go and that includes the Manchester United game and bottom of the table Sunderland," he said.

"The mitigating circumstances is that the first was a derby and they haven't been beaten by Manchester United in three games, and the elements were so inclement on Sunday at Sunderland that football was nigh impossible.

"So I think it's really hard to criticise Leeds for dropping points in those games.

"You don't want to be coming up against Bournemouth at the moment because the stats are frightening.

"Daniel Farke, he said that they are the form team, so I think we're in a situation where Leeds probably, if we're being realistic, could go in as you know less than favourites into this game definitely.

"[When]Tyler Adams [joined Leeds he] got injured and we never saw the best in Leeds plus he did leave for Bournemouth acrimoniously. It was really not a nice deal in the end the way it all went through.

"I think there is a bit of a bad taste and when he has played against Leeds United or been featured I think there's been a little bit of him trying to whip up the crowd a little bit as well.

"It hasn't surprised me that he's gone on to do OK. I think it was just injury really that stopped us seeing the best of him."

Listen on the link below or on BBC Sounds here.

A new episode of the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast is now available to listen to and download now on BBC Sounds.

Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix analyse Daniel Farke's news conference ahead of their game against Bournemouth, from Jean-Matteo Bahoya to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to sign a new contract at Leeds United.

The 29-year-old, who has scored 20 goals in 49 appearances for the Whites since arriving on a free from Everton, currently has a deal until 2028 at Elland Road.

The news will come as a blow to Manchester United, who are looking at bringing in a forward in January after Benjamin Sesko was ruled out for an extended period as he tries to recover from a shin injury.

The Old Trafford side had been linked with Calvert-Lewin and a potential transfer in the January window.

He was recalled to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel in March and, though he missed out on selection for the World Cup, was picked for the most recent Nations League matches, winning his 14th cap on 6 October in the 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic.

Manchester United are considering a January move for Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Leeds United have a "way better" injury situation than last weekend. Nico Elvedi has recovered from illness, returned to training and should be available. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor are also in contention after having "good training weeks".

• If Calvert-Lewin is available, it will "of course" alter the way his side look to build in attack: "You always play to your strengths and he is a pretty all-round player with aerial strengths. If he is on the pitch, we want to deliver more crosses into the box and adapt our play a bit. We have our DNA in attack, but we also want to play to his strengths in all the different ways."

• However, Anton Stach is "still struggling with his foot injury a little bit". It is hoped the defensive midfielder's condition improves "over the next 48 hours", but for now there is "a question mark" over his availability.

• Joe Rodon is into the next stage of his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury, having "part-integrated into team training" this week. He will need "session after session" on the grass before he is even considered for the first team.

• On Dan James' fitness, Farke admitted: "It is crucial that he stays fit and trains with consistency now. It is his second full training week and each day is important for his belief and his body. It isn't enough to just be available at this level, you also have to earn your spots to be in the squad or on the pitch." He added: "He was in my mind for our last game against Sunderland because I can see him improving day by day, but I decided in favour of Jean-Matteo Bahoya because he is a player of similar strength."

• But Farke questioned why there is "all this hype" around French winger Bahoya, who is on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt with an obligation to buy. He explained: "I like that we believe in our players and I love to see him progressing, but if we keep putting pressure on him then he will never be a success. I ask people very politely to not ask me about him in each and every interview - and especially not in the supermarket when I'm buying my milk, orange juice and dark rye bread for the week. There is nobody that backs him more to be a success than me."

• Leeds United travel to Bournemouth after "a good training week" but they are expecting "a tough game" from "probably the most in-form Premier League team at the moment".

• On Marco Rose's side scoring 14 goals and conceding none across their past five games: "They are really used to their process because they aren't doing anything to dissimilar to what they were doing under Andoni Iraola. They play with a good rhythm, they are full of confidence and they have big unity on the pitch." However, he believes his side has similar strengths.

• They will look to be "relentless" against their in-form opponents: "We want to hold a high intensity ourselves. If we do that, it will be hard for any team to be switched on for 90 minutes against us. If and when their legs start getting tired, perhaps we will have even more of a chance to score a late goal. If we deliver our best performance, we will have a chance at this tough place."

Hit play above to hear more from Farke or listen on BBC Sounds here

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

"The pressure of wearing the number nine shirt is huge," says former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford, who believes Dominic Calvert-Lewin has risen to the challenge of the "ruthless position" at Elland Road.

Since leaving Everton to join Leeds in August 2025, the 29-year-old has scored 20 goals in 49 appearances.

"The expectations that come with wearing that shirt mean it is a heavy shirt to wear, it really is," Beckford told The Football Hub.

"When we think back to Patrick Bamford, he did extremely well in the Championship and in his first season back in the Premier League as well. He managed to even get himself an England call-up, which was amazing.

"Dominic Calvert-Lewin is used to playing with pressure. He has represented England and played in the Premier League for however many years.

"He has played for a massive football club in Everton as well, so to come to Elland Road and do the same thing again will have been hard.

"The expectations here are to work your socks off first and, foremost, be physical and score goals. He did that in abundance last season, he shocked everyone with how resilient his body is.

"He looks after himself really well. He scores goals but he also offers a lot more than that. He also has the physicality and the energy to occupy two defenders.

"I'm happy with the kid!"

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

"He did a tackle right in front of the South Stand and the whole place erupted. I was thinking, 'you're going to go down well with this club'."

Former Leeds United boss Simon Grayson is reflecting on the moment new signing Tarik Muharemovic endeared himself to fans on his Elland Road debut in a friendly against RB Leipzig in July.

The 23-year-old defender had just become Leeds' most expensive defender following a £34.1m move from Italian side Sassuolo, replacing the long-serving Pascal Struijk, who joined Brighton for £20m.

Three months into a five-year contract and talk has quickly turned to how long Leeds can keep Muharemovic, such has been his impact since arriving from an impressive World Cup with Bosnia-Herzegovina.

There is already reported interest from Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in Muharemovic, who has earned praise for his no-nonsense approach to defending as well as his aerial presence at both ends of the pitch.

Grayson, who managed Leeds from 2008 to 2012, said he has proved a "rock-like" presence and a prolonged spell at Elland Road will benefit the player in the long run.

"I'm not daft enough to think he doesn't have aspirations to one day play for some of the biggest clubs in the world," Grayson told BBC Sport.

"But right now? Sometimes a player is at home with a certain club and I get that feeling with Muharemovic. I get the impression he loves Leeds, he loves the city and he loves the supporters."

Leeds head to Bournemouth on Saturday (15:00 GMT) with one of the best defensive records in the Premier League after conceding six goals and registering three clean sheets in their opening eight games.

Their new number five has made more headed clearances in the top-flight this season than anyone else, and three goal contributions (one goal, two assists) in 10 league and cup appearances.

Muharemovic is aerially dominant in both boxes, while there is a finesse to his technical skills, too, as shown by a backheeled assist to Dominic Calvert-Lewin for a goal against Newcastle.

"There were a lot of eyebrows raised when Leeds sold Struijk," former Leeds and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Sport.

"The biggest compliment you can pay Muharemovic is that nobody is talking about Struijk leaving."

Read more on Muharemovic