'We tried everything to score the goal' - Robin Koch laments Leeds United's luck in Arsenal draw

Robin Koch believes Leeds United were unlucky not to come away from Elland Road with three points following a 0-0 draw with Arsenal.

The Whites returned to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon following the November international break and welcomed the Gunners to LS11.

Marcelo Bielsa's side dominated much of the opening half before visiting wide man Nicolas Pepe was shown a straight red card after the interval.

Arsenal's record signing clashed with Gjanni Alioski off the ball, leaving referee Anthony Taylor to consult VAR over the incident.

Replays showed the 25-year-old had head-butted the Whites defender, with Pepe given his marching orders for what boss Mikel Arteta described as an "unacceptable" act post-match.

United had forced visiting goalkeeper Bernd Leno into a string of strong saves in the opening period and again tested his palms in the closing stages.

Substitute Rodrigo also struck the post before Patrick Bamford and Raphinha saw efforts rebound off the goal frame as Bielsa's men searched for a tantilising winner.

Leeds stopper Illan Meslier was called into action just once in the final minutes as Bukayo Saka burst through the defence, but the Frenchman was equal to the chance as he raced out of goal.

Leeds were forced to settle for what ended up being a disappointing draw, with German international Koch believing luck just wasn't on United's side.

"We would love to have three [points]," Koch said afterwards.

"We had so many chances but it was not an easy game for us. Even against 10 Arsenal players, they were very deep. We tried to go for the goal but in the end we were a little bit unlucky.

"We tried everything to score the goal. We said before the game that we wanted to reach a clean sheet at the end.

"For a defender it is always good to have that but of course we also wanted to score and to win the game.

Asked about how difficult the encounter became once Arsenal were reduced to 10 men, he said: "Arsenal only stand in their own half [after the red card].

"It was difficult to find spaces behind them because they were so deep. Like I said, I think were just unlucky not to win."