Who had a good day, who had a bad day and how Leeds United's game against Arsenal took a turn for the worse

Leeds United were cursing their luck after last night's encounter with Arsenal, the woodwork coming to the Gunners' rescue three times in the 0-0 draw.
BUTT OUT - Nicolas Pepe's attempted headbutt on Gjanni Alioski earned him a red card in Leeds United's 0-0 draw with Arsenal. Pic: Tony JohnsonBUTT OUT - Nicolas Pepe's attempted headbutt on Gjanni Alioski earned him a red card in Leeds United's 0-0 draw with Arsenal. Pic: Tony Johnson
BUTT OUT - Nicolas Pepe's attempted headbutt on Gjanni Alioski earned him a red card in Leeds United's 0-0 draw with Arsenal. Pic: Tony Johnson

But there was plenty to be pleased with in the Whites' performance and plenty to be concerned about for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

Here's the YEP's take on who had a good day, who didn't and the moment the game changed.

Good day

Mateusz Klich

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Superb, particularly in the first half. His link up play was delightful. Brought players into the game, including full debutant Raphinha with whom he already seems to have developed an understanding. He moved Leeds around the pitch in style and popped up everywhere. Even in a more advanced role worked hard to get back and disrupt Arsenal. Terrific to watch. Should have capped the performance with a goal, his finishing on his left foot was about the only downside for the Polish international on a fine evening.

Bad day

Nicolas Pepe

Perhaps Pepe was having a bad day before Gjanni Alioski came along. The North Macedonian pest was namechecked by most of his Leeds team-mates when they were asked who they would least like to be stuck with during the first lockdown. That tells you something. He brings energy to most situations, including those that don't really call for it. But against Arsenal and Pepe, his crime appeared to be little more than getting touch tight and attempting to stay in the forward's face. Quite why that warranted the reaction it got, we might never know. Whatever the reason, Alioski was too much for Pepe, who stupidly attempted a headbutt and there was only one possible outcome after that. Alisoki did go down very easily and made certain that everyone's attention was drawn to the incident but anyone complaining about that kind of behaviour only needs to watch the game back to see several other examples, from visiting players.

Turning point

52nd minute

The red card for Pepe meant Arsenal had little option but to sit in, defend deep and in numbers and try to catch Leeds on the break. Anyone who has watched Leeds for any length of time under Bielsa knows that the tactic that seems to cause them most issues is a low block and a packed penalty area. It led to a less open and somewhat less entertaining encounter, robbing us of the neat interplay from the hosts in the first half and the ball carrying skill of the visitors, but Leeds will feel the they still should have won, regardless of the stout defending. They created chances, hit the woodwork and forced very good saves.

Number of the day

25

Leeds United had 25 shots during the game. Twenty-five. A staggering total, even against a side who went down to 10 men. Some of the finishing was very poor and both Klich and Stuart Dallas will feel they should have done better with good opportunities, but of the 25, three came off the woodwork and two were saved brilliantly by Leno. Leeds were hard done by, in this one.

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