'A baptism of fire' - Leeds United fans pick out youngster for praise in 'difficult' game at Arsenal

Leeds United academy product Niall Huggins. Pic: GettyLeeds United academy product Niall Huggins. Pic: Getty
Leeds United academy product Niall Huggins. Pic: Getty
Leeds United fans picked out Thorp Arch academy graduate Niall Huggins for praise following his senior debut at Arsenal.

Marcelo Bielsa's side fell to an entertaining 4-2 defeat against the Gunners in the capital on Sunday afternoon.

The Whites were four goals down but fought back in the second period to strike twice through Pascal Struijk and Helder Costa.

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The damage, though, was done in the opening period in North London with Leeds heading into the interval three behind at the break.

Bielsa made two changes at the half-time interval but also brought on 20-year-old Niall Huggins in the 53rd minute for his full senior debut in difficult circumstances as United attempted to fight back.

Huggins earned praise from supporters in what was a minor positive following a disappointing defeat in the top flight.

Here's what fans have been saying across social media in today's supporters talking point:

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@JRCooper26 Niall Huggins is the 21st different player aged younger than 21 to be give their #lufc debut by Marcelo Bielsa - the only manager in the club's history to award more debuts to players aged younger than 21 is the great Don Revie (35).

@LUFCDATA Huge congrats to Niall Huggins who made his @LUFC debut today and became the 842nd player to represent the club. A baptism of fire at the Emirates and performed very well. #LUFC

@coacharnott Brilliant moment. Hard work and perseverance paying off @Niall_Huggins

@barney___21 One positive - Niall Huggins debut. I thought it wasn’t the right game for him especially coming being 4-0 down but he looked very assured with the ball making the right decisions.

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@kaydobbo G’warn @Niall_Huggins. Had a right debut in such a tough game #lufc

@EastStandUpper Something in the water in York? Niall Huggins is the latest off the city's production line... Byram, Taylor, Cook, Clarke and Edmondson all brought up there, too. #lufc

@TomC_22 If you asked me what Niall Huggins’ actual position is I’d have absolutely no idea. The lad was absolutely everywhere. Good 40 minutes or so from him. #lufc

@JOLD3 We never give up! Always fighting. Superb to see Niall Huggins given game time! Well deserved!

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@ashlaurenn_ Put in an absolute shift in that 2nd half and I really like Niall Huggins.

@DarrenCousins8 Was disappointed yesterday @lufc but it has gone now. Another youngster looked comfortable, congrats @Niall_Huggins you have a great future at the very top, another learnt some tough lessons @MeslierIllan you are the #1 and we are 11th in the @premierleague. Keep entertaining.

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