Arsenal vs Leeds LIVE: Result and reaction from Premier League fixture today
The Gunners continued their momentum under Mikel Arteta against Marcelo Bielsa’s high-flying Leeds, but it was a hard-fought victory
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal beat Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium tonight as Mikel Arteta further built on an encouraging win over Manchester United.
The Gunners have a proud history in the FA Cup and avoided the ignominy of falling at the first hurdle against the Championship leaders.
Leeds are flying once again under Marcelo Bielsa and are looking on course for promotion to the Premier League after 16 years away, but they didn't quite have enough. Follow all the latest live:
Match preview
When is it?
The tie will kick-off at 19.56 on Monday 6 January at the Emirates.
How can I watch it?
The match will be broadcast live on BBC1 and BBC Sport online.
Predicted line-ups
Arsenal: Martinez; Maitland-Niles, Holding, Mavropanos, Saka; Willock, Guendouzi; Nelson, Ceballos, Smith Rowe; Martinelli
Leeds: Casilla; Ayling, White, Cooper, Alioski; Phillips; Helder Costa, Dallas, Klich, Harrison; Bamford
Team news
Alexandre Lacazette and Lucas Torreira are both likely to be rested after pulling up during the club’s victory over Manchester United. Gabriel Martinelli remains a doubt due to a hamstring injury.
Tyler Roberts was ruled out of the West Brom game with a minor knock, while Adam Forshaw and Jamie Shackleton have returned to training and could play. Pablo Hernandez remains a longer-term absentee.
Prediction
Leeds should push a heavily rotated Arsenal side to the wire, however, the good feeling conjured by victory against United should carry over for Arteta, with a young side who’ll be desperate to prove themselves to him.
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds
21: Granit Xhaka is caught in possession again and brings down Patrick Bamford. Leeds with the chance to test Arsenal again, you feel they need to make the most of this early dominance.
The free-kick is close! Ben White gets a tiny flick on Luke Ayling's low cross and Arsenal eventually clear, not that it's stayed in the Leeds half for long.
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds
Ben White is robbed by Alexandre Lacazette, who charges into the box and is crowded out by a sea of light blue players, who race back.
Leeds go from box-to-box at breathtaking pace and free up Ezgjan Alioski on the left, who drags a low shot wide from a tight angle.
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds
25: In the opening 25 minutes it's been all Leeds. They've had 25 per cent of the possession and 10 (ten) shots to Arsenal's one.
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds
28: Jack Harrison is responsible for a significant number of those shots and takes another on the volley from Ezgjan Alioski's cross. Emi Martinez gratefully gets on his haunches and collects with ease.
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds
Leeds would, playing like this, take some stopping by most Premier League sides.
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds
31: Arsenal have been brilliant at corners this season and almost score with another. David Luis gets ahead of Kalvin Phillips and heads wide to the amusement of the 8,000 visiting supporters behind the goal.
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds
33: What a save!
Ezgjan Alioski appears to be getting on the end of Luka Ayling's brilliant cross but Sokratis does just enough to put him off. The Arsenal defender does, however, direct the ball towards goal and forces Emi Martinez to palm the ball away from close-range.
Alioski is receiving treatment on the pitch after falling awkwardly on his ankle but appears to be okay.
Arsenal 0-0 Leeds
35: Leeds are playing some excellent, excellent football and are very unlucky not to be ahead.
A move that Pep Guardiola would be proud is almost walked into the net but for the final pass on the right just behind Patrick Bamford. One touch play, reverse passes and precise flicks, it had it all.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments