Woodwork denies Leeds as Gunners are left short
LEEDS were denied by the goal frame three times as a failure to make their dominance count allowed ten-man Arsenal to escape with a point despite having Nicolas Pepe sent off.
Pepe struck the crossbar in a first half where Arsenal were largely on the back foot and the Gunners were under the pump even more after their winger was dismissed in the 51st minute for an apparent headbutt on Ezgjan Alioski.
Substitute Rodrigo hit the bar, Patrick Bamford saw a header come back off the post, while Raphinha’s strike from an acute angle hit the outside of the upright as Leeds settled for a draw.
While the hosts bounced back from successive 4-1 defeats to Leicester and Crystal Palace, this will feel like an opportunity missed.
Leeds had 13 shots in the first half, but only two on target and it was Arsenal who came closest to scoring, Pepe’s shot dipping onto the crossbar.
To the frustration of boss Mikel Arteta (pictured), Arsenal were reduced to ten men when Pepe was sent off. Replays showed the winger bringing his head towards Alioski and referee Anthony Taylor brandished a straight red after viewing a review monitor. Straight afterwards, Stuart Dallas’ fine strike looked destined for the top corner only for Bernd Leno to parry over. Rodrigo’s introduction saw Leeds step up their attacking intent, and his attempt from the edge of the box cannoned off the crossbar.
At the other end, substitute Bukayo Saka burst through on goal but after rounding Illan Meslier, the goalkeeper recovered to make a crucial interception. Late on, it was all Leeds, as Bamford and Raphinha went so close. Dallas felt his side were unlucky not to take all three points, saying: ‘I think we created enough chances and did enough to win it. The sending off changed the game and they were camped in. ‘But if you aren’t going to win the game you have to make sure you don’t lose it. We’ll take a point and move on.’