This is the allure of the FA Cup: Leeds United, with all of their past successes and rich history but with some struggles in recent years, have just drawn Arsenal at the Emirates by a score of 1-1. Through a second half penalty from Robert Snodgrass and a very late penalty from Cesc Fabregas, the tie will now head to Elland Road for a replay to settle matters.
Arsenal Vs. Leeds United: Leeds Again Have Captured Essence Of FA Cup By Drawing Arsenal
Brave, determined, organized, tight and effective are all words that could describe Leeds’ performance on Saturday as Arsenal, while dominate in possession, lacked the sharpness (until late on) that has made them a title contender in this year’s Premier League title race.
No stranger to FA Cup ties facing big opponents (Leeds beat Manchester United and drew Tottenham last year), Simon Grayson’s tactics complimented and set up his side perfectly to compete in a tough away match facing a dangerous opponent. Those directions? Defend, sure, but keep enough quality up top to break on the counter effectively. Through Robert Snodgrass and Luciano Becchio, Leeds had just enough attacking options forward to hold up the ball and allow the deep-sitting midfielders of Leeds to get forward when Arsenal’s attacks broke down.
The Whites defended well throughout the full 90 through Andy O'Brien and Alex Bruce and it was only the introduction of Theo Walcott's pace that was finally able to force Ben Parker into the foul that allowed Fabregas to equalize. It would be difficult to pick out a single brilliant performance and award a man of the match to a Leeds player because the team gelled so well together on the day. However, Kasper Schmeichel's performance again proved he's a class keeper that's destined for the Premier League. Time after time he saved from Arsenal shots that were goal bound and kept his team in the game.
While so many bemoaned this weekend’s FA Cup third round fixture list, fittingly, it was the weekend’s first match that proved what kind of moments this tournament can and will still provide. In what this author considered a classic, Leeds draw at Arsenal again helped to prove that form, league position and reputation all get chucked out of the window when the FA Cup is at its best.
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