Arsenal 1 Leeds 1

Leeds battled to a superb draw against Premiership side Arsenal on  Saturday, to earn a lucrative replay at Elland Road.  The home side rested several key players, but still had a  very experienced line up, with half the team regulars.  It was Arsenal who came out of the blocks well, Arshavin with the first real chance – his one on one effort saved by Kasper Schmichael standing tall.  The home side continued to press, and Jonny Howson did well to clear off the line from a corner. 

Although the Gunners had most of the play, Leeds were no shrinking violets.  The previous visitors to the Emirates were massive spending Manchester City, who came to defend.  Leeds showed more attacking threat within the first 15 minutes than City offered in the full game.  Becchio having a shot saved, and the ball scrambled clear.

At half time it was 0-0 – probably a fair score – Arsenal had the chances, but the defence, led superbly by Alex Bruce, stayed strong.

In the second half, Leeds continued to hit on the break, and  it paid dividends – some superb wing play from Max Gradle saw Denilson lunge in and give away a penalty.  Robert Snodgrass kept his nerve to slot home.

Arsenal responded by sending on the big guns – Fabregas and Walcott were introduced from the bench.  It was Leeds who came closest though, Becchio’s header superbly saved.

Leeds were under the cosh, but defended superbly – Bruce and O’Brien putting their bodies on the line, and Schmichael solid at the back.  Constant Arsenal pressure eventually told in the 89^th minute – Walcott getting goal side of Parker, and the full back gave a slight tug for a clear penalty, which was despatched with ease by Fabregas.  There was still time for the Gunners to snatch it – Denilson’s goalbound shot superbly saved by Schmichael.

A draw was about fair – all back to Elland Road next week for a replay…