Leeds 0-0 Arsenal: Four Things We Learned

Arsenal held on for a point in their Premier League clash against Leeds last night.

Coming into this match, many fans and myself included were looking to see what kind of response the side would have after the thrashing against Aston Villa last time out. We did start reasonably brightly as Willian looked lively early on however after the first 20 minutes or so Leeds grew into the game and looked the more comfortable side.

Honestly, they could consider themselves unlucky not to be a goal ahead or possibly more heading into the sheds at half time, but our defence held firm. Willian was withdrawn for Reiss Nelson at halftime, a player who I have been campaigning for weeks to get some Premier League game time, and tonight he finally got his chance.

He showed his impressive qualities in being able to hold the ball, drive past people, and try and create something going forward. He made an impact in the second half and ideally if circumstances had been different, we perhaps could have seen more.

In the end, we managed to grab a point in a game where all of us were hoping for three and there are many talking points to come out of this one.

Pepe’s red card

A brain fade if you have ever seen one. An inexcusable thing to do at this level. Just when we looked like we could perhaps get a foothold in the game, the headbutt on Alioski was the result of a building up of tension after the players had been going at it in the minutes in the lead up to the incident. Pepe has let his teammates down, his manager down, and the fans. This is a much bigger deal simply because of our recent form, had we been on a winning run this would not be as crucial because tonight we needed the three points. Pepe will now have to work hard to regain the trust of his manager yet again after he was given an opportunity tonight.

Rob Holding and Gabriel are partnership going forward

When we look at the result many will look at our lack of creativity but for me, it was our two centre backs that I liked tonight. Aside from Leeds hitting the post a couple of times, our defence had a handle on things for most of the night. Now had Leeds taken one of those chances then we would be looking at this in a different light but one moment stood out for me and while it might seem innocuous, I loved what I saw. Gabriel was defending one on one in the box, Holding came over to cover and got the clearance. Afterward, Holding gave Gabriel a little high five to each other, as if to say I have your back and you have mine. It is something small but for me, these two are the way forward considering we are still unsure of what William Saliba’s future holds.

Aubameyang centrally is the way to go

Now he did not find the score sheet tonight, but at least he was involved in the game, unlike the Villa game. His link-up play with both Nelson and Saka in the second half shows his qualities when he is played through the middle. After the red card it ultimately made it more difficult for him to make an impact but having him through the middle is the way we will win games going forward.

Reiss Nelson justified his selection in the matchday squad.

For those that follow me, I have been campaigning for this for what seems like forever. His performances in the Europa league for me have warranted at least a spot on the bench. Tonight, he got his opportunity, and for me, considering the circumstances he played just about as well as he could have. His willingness to keep a hold of the ball, drive defenders back and run at them gave us a constant threat on the counter and this was with ten men too. With Pepe’s red card surely, Nelson will get those three games to solidify his spot in the first team.

Overall, the feeling after tonight’s game is somewhat indifferent. Hopes of coming away with a much-needed win were essentially dashed six minutes into the second half, however, we did have a couple of chances to steal it late on. We take the point and move on to our next match against Molde in the Europa League midweek.

For many fans, the January transfer window can not come soon enough as creative reinforcements are needed. However, at this moment in time, we are just going to have to stick with our club and players and ride it out together until help can arrive.