Hoddle: Arsenal 'didn't play well but got over the line' vs Leeds

Credit: Getty Images

Arsenal came from behind to beat Leeds United 2-1 at the Emirates, and according to Glenn Hoddle, the result said as much about the Gunners' mentality as it did about their quality on the day.

Leeds arrived unbeaten this season and took the lead against an Arsenal side still smarting from their defeat to Brighton before the international break. Mikel Arteta's players fought back to claim victory through goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimarães, just days after Arteta committed his long-term future to the club.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Hoddle praised Leeds' performance but pointed to a clear gap between the two sides when it mattered most.

Hoddle's verdict on the margins

Hoddle said: “I thought Leeds were really good, they had a real balance to their play. The difference between the two sides was that Arsenal didn't play well but got over the line…that is what Champions do.”

He added: “They had a 20-minute spell in the second half where they upped their gear. Whereas Leeds had magic moments in the first half and weren't clinical. That is the gap between being top of the league and where Leeds are.”

It was a blunt but telling assessment. Leeds dominated spells of the game and deservedly took the lead, but their inability to turn control into a cushion proved costly once Arsenal found their rhythm after the break.

A statement result for Arteta's side

For Arsenal, this was not a vintage display, but it was the kind of result that title-chasing teams are often judged on. Grinding out a win while below their best, against a team in form and full of confidence, is the sort of marker Arteta has spoken about wanting his squad to set.

The comeback also arrives at a significant moment, coming just days after Arteta's new long-term commitment to the club was confirmed. A response of this nature, following the loss to Brighton, will go some way to easing any concerns that crept in during the international break.

Leeds, for their part, leave north London with credit despite the defeat. Their bright opening exchanges and overall structure under their current setup suggest they will continue to cause problems for sides higher up the table, even if their finishing let them down on this occasion.

Arsenal will now look to carry the momentum from this victory into their next set of fixtures, with Arteta hoping the character shown against Leeds becomes a theme rather than an exception as the season progresses.