This game was another game in the capital for Leeds, and their record in the capital isn’t great they’ve not won a game in London under Bielsa, would that change against an improving Arsenal team? It was 11th place Arsenal against 10th place Leeds.
Both had the chance to go into the top half with victory, so who would come out on top and how would Leeds do without Phillips?
It was played at the Emirates Stadium.
Read to the end to find out the final score.
Ref for picture: https://www.google.com/search?q=emirates+stadium+night
In the first few minutes Arsenal had a couple of chances but they were either blocked or wide of the goal.
The first Leeds chance came after 12 minutes as Harrison crossed towards Bamford whose header was straight at Leno.
1st goal
Then a minute later, Arsenal took the lead as Aubameyang did a couple of stepovers and squeezed a shot into the bottom corner.
After 25 minutes, Raphinha passed to Harrison whose shot was straight at Leno.
Three minutes later, another Arsenal chance as Luiz got to the byline , he passed to Aubameyang but Ayling blocked his shot superbly for a corner, which came to nothing.
Just after the half hour mark, Saka did a run, Cooper fouled him and the referee awarded a Arsenal penalty, but the referee got told by the VAR to go over to the monitor and he decided to overturn his penalty decision, a letoff for Leeds.
Penalty to Arsenal and 2nd goal
Six minutes later, Meslier made a howler as he tried to do some fancy stuff with his feet, Saka chased him down and Meslier fouled him, this time the penalty was awarded and not overturned and Aubameyang scored confidently into the left corner. Could Leeds get to halftime only 2 down?
3rd Arsenal goal
The answer was No as with a minute of the first half to go, Arsenal were toying with Leeds and Bellerin’s shot went past Meslier at the near post.
Halftime score: Â Arsenal 3-0 Leeds United
So the Leeds defence and keeper had a nightmare first half, what could they do 2nd half? All of Arsenal’s goals were too easy.
4th Arsenal goal
After 47 minutes, another Arsenal goal as Smith Rowe crossed for Aubameyang to head in for his hat-trick, and Arsenal were 4-0 up, could Leeds avoid a thrashing?
1st Leeds goal
57 minutes in and Leeds had a corner, the corner was met by Struijk who headed into the net, just a consolation or the start of an amazing comeback?
2nd Leeds goal
With just over 20 minutes remaining, Leeds scored their 2nd of the game as Roberts crossed to Costa who finished calmly, the comeback couldn’t happen could it?
After 75 minutes, Aubameyang crashed an effort against the bar.
With seven minutes remaining, another Arsenal chance as good buildup from Arsenal ended with Saka hitting the post.
Two minutes later, good play by Leeds and Ayling got to the byline and crossed towards Bamford whose shot was blocked.
Fulltime score: Arsenal 4-2 Leeds United
So another disappointing visit to the capital for Leeds but they left themselves too much to do, going in at halftime 3-0 down.
It means Leeds remain in 11th in the Premier League.
Highlights of this game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk0LbCdebIM
Next up for Leeds United is another away trip this time to the Midlands to face Wolves on Friday 19th February with a 8pm kickoff.
