Leeds were unable to capitalise against 10-man Arsenal, who saw Nicolas Pepe sent off for a headbutt, as they hit the woodwork three times during their goalless draw on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams came into the game having lost just before the international break, as Leeds were battered 4-1 by Crystal Palace and Arsenal were thoroughly beaten 3-0 at home to Aston Villa.
In the opening exchanges, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side looked to take the game to the hosts and nearly took the lead when Pepe’s looping cross bounced back off the crossbar.
However, Leeds responded quickly after a smart one-two between Luke Ayling and Mateusz Klich gifted Patrick Bamford the opportunity to hit a fierce strike down to Bernd Leno’s right – forcing the German goalkeeper to parry it away.
As the half grew on, the game became more open which played into the hands of Marcelo Bielsa’s men, as they continued to probe Arsenal’s deep defensive line.
Despite being on top with more possession and territory, Leeds were unable to fashion any clear-cut opportunities, meaning the sides went in 0-0 at the break.
The start of the second half continued in the same vein, with the hosts taking the initiative in the hope of creating the chance that would put them ahead.
Then in the 51st minute, Arsenal’s task became even harder when record signing Pepe appeared to push his head into Ezigan Alioski following an altercation.
Referee Anthony Taylor took one look on the pitchside monitor, after being recommended to by the VAR, and sent the Ivory Coast international off – giving the Gunners over 40 minutes to play with 10 men.
Leeds summer signing, Rodrigo, was quickly introduced following the decision and almost made an instant impact when his curling left-footed effort from the edge of the area cannoned behind off the crossbar.
Not all hope was lost for the away side though, as Leeds committed more players forward in each attack, giving Arsenal the chance to counter.
Hector Bellerin’s brilliant run and through ball played substitute Bukayo Saka through on goal in the 85th minute, only for the Englishman to finish into the arms of Illan Meslier to keep the scores level.
Just moments later, Leeds came up the other end with Ian Poveda who’s searching cross found Bamford just six-yards out, however his effort was also kept out by the woodwork.
The home side weren’t finished there and nearly found the winner in stoppage time when Rodrigo’s flick-on found debutant Raphinha in the box – however. the Brazilian was unable to convert as his sliced effort was kept out by the post.
It ended in a stalemate at Elland Road, meaning Arsenal currently sit in 11th place on 13 points, whereas Leeds sit three places below in 14th on 11 points.
The Gunners will look to improve next time out as they face an in-form Wolves side at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, while Leeds will be hoping to climb up the table when they visit Goodison Park on Saturday to take on Everton.
By James Humphreys
