Still, we sympathize with Leeds. A game that was delayed from starting properly by nearly 40 minutes due to a power cut that would have prevented VAR access was ultimately decided by technology. This was a contest of captivating unpredictability, but we should have seen it coming. Firstly, Leeds was amazing. If they play with that energy and add some edge to it, they’ll be plotting a pretty solid run under Jesse Marsch this season. Bukayo Saka’s 35th-minute strike from a tight angle proved to be the difference at Elland Road The England international slotted the ball into the Leeds net to grab his fourth Premier League goal of the season Mikel Arteta’s side continued their fantastic league form and extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table Leeds’ poor form saw them finish 15th in the Premier League as they fell above the relegation zone
LINDZ – ARSENAL MATCH DETAILS AND PLAYER RATINGS
LEEDS UNITED: (4-2-3-1) Mellieu 6; Kristensen 6, Koch 6, Cooper 6, Struijk 5.5; Adams 6.5, Roca 6 (Summerville 84 minutes 6); Sinisterra 7, Aaronson 8, Harrison 6.5 (Klich 75mins 6); Rodrigo 5.5 (Bamford 45 mins 6). OBJECTIVES: RESERVATION: JESSE MARCH: 6.5 ARSENAL: (4-2-3-1) Ramsdale 7.5; White 6 (Tierney 75 mins 6), Saliba 6, Gabriel 6.5, Thomas 6; Generation 5.5, Party 5.5; Saka 7.5 (Krat. 81 min 6), Odegard 7 (Vieira 71 min 6), Martinelli 6; Jesus 5.5 (About 81 minutes 6) GOAL: From 35 RESERVATION: Saliba MICHALIS ART: 6.5 REFEREE: Chris Kavanagh 6
As for Arsenal, credit to them for their courage and street smarts, but they will need to play much better if they are to maintain their place at the bottom of the Premier League. VAR officials intervened twice in the second half and then, deep into stoppage time, proved decisive in deciding the outcome. In the first case, the suggestion from Stockley Park was clear. A handball in time by Arsenal defender William Saliba was missed by referee Chris Kavanagh, but not on camera. The problem for Leeds – after Bucayo Saka’s first-half goal – was that Patrick Bamford missed the penalty. As a half-time substitute, Bamford had brought Leeds the focus they had lacked in the opening period. He had a goal disallowed for a pull on Saliba’s defensive partner Gabriel within 30 seconds of coming on – a borderline call – and was twice denied by Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. But it turned out that Bamford’s final contribution wasn’t until deep into extra time, some two and three-quarters into that game’s original kick-off. Challenging Gabriel in the Arsenal penalty area, he was kicked by the Brazilian as the opposition player fell to the ground. On advice from an assistant, Kavanagh gave another penalty and sent off Gabriel. It seemed that justice was about to be served. Gabriel was in Bamford’s ear as he approached to place the ball before the first penalty. It looked like he wasn’t going to be around to see the second one. But then there’s a word in the referee’s ear or a buzz on his wrist or whatever it is that signals VAR wants to get busy again. A look at the courtside monitor showed that Bamford had dropped Gabriel. Bamford claimed he was just running his line against a defender standing in his way, but the push looked deliberate. So Leeds’ last chance for a chaotically brilliant second half was denied and Gabriel’s red card was curiously downgraded to a yellow. Another day that would be worth a conversation on its own. Retaliation is retaliation regardless of what caused it. Therefore, the card should have remained red. But on an afternoon like this, it was a conversation that had to wait. Patrick Bamford had a chance to equalize from the spot but saw his spot-kick go wide. There was drama at the end as Arsenal’s Gabriel was sent off and Leeds were awarded a penalty – before VAR overturned the call After consultation with VAR, Chris Kavanagh changed his decision from red to yellow and awarded Arsenal a free-kick. This was truly a sight to behold. The lag that occurred after the power went out 22 seconds into the game was annoying. What followed about 40 minutes later was very evident. Leeds really lost a centre-forward in the first half. There was no shape when they attacked. Even so they should not have been left behind. This was their fault. Rodrigo’s 50-yard pass in the 35th minute was straight from a ‘suicide’ playbook and when Arsenal seized possession, Martin Odegaard played in Saka to finish firmly high above Ilan Meslier at the near post. It was an amazing finish even though Meslier could have stood taller. However, Rodrigo was to blame, and it was he who made room for Bamford on the stroke of half-time. In the first half there were half chances for Leeds and one very good one for Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus wasteful at the far post. Leeds had width brought to them by Luis Sinistera and Rasmus Christensen but no proper target in the middle. Jesse Marsh’s Leeds are without a league win since their 3-0 triumph over Chelsea at the end of August. Bamford, 29, is yet to find the net in any of his seven Premier League outings this season Leeds’ response at the start of the second period was admirable. Bamford turned to put the ball in the goal within 30 seconds of the game only to be penalised. Then, as Elland Road found their voice, Bamford ran clear after a mistake by Saliba and shot straight at Ramsdale. A few minutes later, Bamford was watching again, but this time he couldn’t find his composure. And it cost him again ten minutes later after Leeds were awarded their penalty. On the touchline, Marsch looked desolate at Bamord’s failure. Gabriel’s actions in trying to unnerve the striker were too small, but it was Bamford who bore the brunt of the blame. To his credit, he didn’t hide and it was the late dismissal that opened up another substitute Crysencio Summerville. This time the ball went over the bar. No need for VAR to take a look at it. The match was delayed after a power cut at Elland Road forced the players to come on after just two minutes Follow Sportsmail’s live blog for coverage of this afternoon’s Premier League games, including Aston Villa v Chelsea, Leeds v Arsenal and Southampton v West Ham.
