3️⃣ points as Arsenal edge past Leeds in thrilling FA Cup tie | OneFootball

It was a thrilling encounter in north London as Arsenal edged past Leeds 1-0 at Emirates Stadium.

Here are three points we took from the game …

Leeds prove top flight credentials

Things may have come crashing down last season, but you cannot deny how impressive Leeds are under Marcelo Bielsa.

Despite making four changes to their side, the Whites played with cohesion, intensity and technical security – and completely bossed Arsenal for 45 minutes.

Few teams in the country can orchestrate as sharp a press and their attacking combinations were a joy to watch throughout.

We hope their legs don’t give way again because Leeds in the Premier League next season? Yes please.

Game of two halves

Mikel Arteta won’t be afraid to admit he and his players got that first half wrong.

Distances between players were far too big, their midfield lacked balance and Mesut Özil was being bypassed with regularity.

But they were a completely different side after the break. Small changes – like Guendouzi dropping deeper, Nicolas Pépé seeing more of the ball – transformed their lethargic play.

Instead of being nullified by Leeds, Arsenal began to establish their own intensity on the visitors which is exactly what Arteta keeps stressing.

Magic of the Cup

All we hear, year after year, is how the FA Cup has lost it’s magic. How this modern rubbish can’t rival the good ol’ days.

Wrong. We’ve seen a 40-year-old score against Newcastle, League One Tranmere Rovers come back from 3-0 down against Watford and now this frantic encounter under the floodlights.

This tie was played at a frightening pace between two sides enjoying their football. It was expansive, it was physical, there was some lovely football played throughout and that’s exactly what you want.

Keep those rose tinted glasses in the drawer.