Arsenal vs Leeds

1-0

This FA cup tie was without question a game of two halves, with Leeds playing some great football in the first half and leaving the Emirates wondering who the Premiership side actually were, it was testament to what a great side Marcelo Bielsa has put together. Arsenal started slowly and Leeds took the initiative from the first minute with relentless pressing, suffocating any attacks Arsenal tried to put together. This meant Leeds were able to force mistakes and win the ball high up the pitch and create goal scoring opportunities at their will. Jack Harrison and Luke Ayling doubled up on Kolasinac to create an overload down their right hand side, meaning chance after chance was being fashioned, however they failed to take them and later lived to regret it. Leeds best chance of the half fell to Patrick Bamford who struck the crossbar with a decent effort in the 16th minute and for the rest of the half caused Arsenal major problems. The half ended with Leeds having attempted 15 shots and registering more than 60% of the ball. Arteta had a lot of work to do at halftime to keep us in the game.

The second half was a complete contrast from the Arsenal players, like night and day, the pressing came back from the off with Lacazette working as hard as ever, along with the midfield getting higher up the pitch to not allow Leeds as much time on the ball. This got the crowd going and eventually led to Arsenal going in front, with some great work from Nicolas Pepe down the right hand side staying on his feet and driving at the heart of the Championship sides defence, before Lacazette teed up Reiss Nelson for only his second senior goal for the Gunners in the 55th minute. After this, Arsenal continued to dominate the ball as Leeds looked very tired due to their intensity in the first half and it meant there were a few more chances, notable Martinelli’s shot which was well saved by Illan Meslier who had a very good game. In the end, the 1-0 score line was enough to secure Arsenal place in the fourth-round against Bournemouth.

Player Ratings

Emiliano Martinez

Made some brilliant saves throughout the first half and kept Arsenal in the game, more notable his save from Ezgjan Alioski in the 33rd minute was excellent. Could improve his distribution, however was a very safe pair of hands behind a shaky defence. 7/10

Sokratis

Looked exposed at times in the first half as he was playing in a position which he hasn’t done for many years. Second half showed his experience, passion and leadership to help secure the clean sheet and was in my opinion Arsenal’s best player and my MOTM. 8/10

Rob Holding

Weren’t at his best this game, this is to be expected after barely playing any football over the last 13 months and making his first start since November 9. Looked decent when called upon to defend, however his passing was slightly worrying as he lost the ball multiple times in our own half leading to Leeds counter attacks. 5/10

David Luiz

The Brazilian is starting to hit some form and justify his £8 million price tag. He had another solid display at the heart of Arsenal’s defence and produced some good passing in the second half. 7/10

Sead Kolasinac

Had a tough first half where he could have done with some more protection from Nelson, however recovered well in the second half and battled as hard as ever. 6.5/10

Matteo Guendouzi

In the first half he was very frustrating as when we had the ball it felt like he was hiding at times, however he made a few good tackles which saved us. In the second half he was back to his best with his energy and driving runs forward. 6.5/10

Granit Xhaka

His passing was not as accurate as it usually is with a few sloppy passes here and there, however did lead the midfield and kept us ticking. How he was not booked I will never know! 6/10

Mesut Özil

Got marked out of the game in the first half which was forcing him to drop deep where he is less effective. In the second half he exploited the space well as Leeds got tired and managed to pick up the ball in the pocket more often. 7/10

Nicolas Pepe

Didn’t get great service throughout the game, but when he did get the ball he looked lively and dangerous as he was very direct. Was pivotal for the goal and seems like he’s settling in more every game. 7.5/10

Reiss Nelson

Improving with the amount of minutes he is getting under Arteta and looked a threat throughout the game. Scrappy goal, but he won’t care! 7/10

Alexandre Lacazette

Worked tirelessly as he always does, unlucky not to score from a brilliant free kick and perhaps should have had a penalty in the second half. Linked up play well, we need him to get back to his best as soon as possible. 7/10

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James Humphreys