Winners
The midfield
Leeds may have lost the game, but they were a number of impressive performers on the day. Tyler Adams and Marc Roca were up there as Leeds’ best on the day with their intensity and energy in the middle making Leeds tick.
They acted as a shield in the middle of the park, making it hard for the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli to come into the game during the first half. And, in the second half, they were dominant, battering their Gunners counterparts, forcing mistakes and looking to move Leeds forward.
Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra and Patrick Bamford fed off their dogged energy, capitalising on their hard work to push Arsenal back and look for the equaliser. Ultimately, though, the Whites didn’t have enough to force the ball over the line.
Losers
Rodrigo
The forward will have been kicking himself in the first half as his wild cross-field pass directly led to Arsenal’s opener. The Spaniard was looking for Pascal Struijk with his switch, but it was misjudged and Saka was allowed to run onto it.
A neat one-two with Martin Odegaard put Saka into the area before the England international lashed the ball into the roof of the net. Rodrigo’s confidence was visibly impacted and Jesse Marsch made the decision to take him off at half-time.
Technology
Just a few minutes after emerging from the tunnel, both sets of players were heading back down it after seeing referee Chris Kavanagh suspend play. A brief power cut bang on kick-off knocked out the match officials’ technology and the game could not go ahead without it.
As such the match was halted after 69 seconds and fans were made to wait until all systems, such as the goal line technology system and VAR, were rebooted and back in working order. The game eventually resumed at 2.40pm, 38 minutes after it had initially kicked off.
Patrick Bamford
The striker replaced Rodrigo at the break and instantly looked a threat. He had the ball in the back of the net within a couple of minutes only to see play pulled back for a foul.
Unfortunately for the striker, though, that was the only time he beat Aaron Ramsdale. He’s still waiting for his first league goal this season and he had a great chance to get it when Gabriel was penalised for a handball in the area.
He claimed the ball and looked confident as he stood over the penalty spot. However, he couldn’t hit the target with his effort flashing across Ramsdale’s left post and wide.
That just about summed up his day in front of goal as a handful of chances came and went for the England international.
READ NEXT:
Leeds United training shows Kristensen's wholesome moment, fitness clues and U21s call-ups
Leeds United's Wilfried Gnonto makes award final shortlist alongside Europe's brightest talents
Why play was suspended between Leeds United and Arsenal following Elland Road power cut
Jesse Marsch maps out Stuart Dallas' return to Leeds United action and gives Junior Firpo update
Jesse Marsch outlines how Patrick Bamford can return to peak Leeds United form
