‘Spectacular’, ‘Phenomenal’ – Lineker, Shearer and Wright deliver verdict on Leeds United
It’s not often that pundits like Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright all get to look at Leeds United.
But the FA Cup game at the Emirates was broadcast by the BBC and Leeds got a taste of the Match of the Day treatment they could be in for next season.
We weren’t so bothered about the result tonight – Leeds can just concentrate on the league now – we just wanted them to give a good account of themselves.
And boy, did they do that.
They were absolutely amazing in the first 45 minutes and made Arsenal look ordinary.
Marcelo Bielsa’s coaching was on full display and Leeds fans at the stadium and watching around the world couldn’t have been any prouder.
The second half might have been a tougher watch for Leeds fans, but their side was never outclassed.
Some of the praise from the big pundits (BBC1, Monday, 8pm) was nothing short of extraordinary too.
Gary Lineker said, “If you didn’t know better I think you’d say Leeds United were the Premier League side and Arsenal were the side in the Championship, and it’s at the home of Arsenal.
“They were spectacular in their build-up play, they just lacked the finishing touch. Arsenal can’t cope with the Leeds press.
“Leeds look like a Premier League side.”
Alan Shearer said, “Leeds have given Arsenal the run-around. They haven’t been able to get near them. Leeds United have passed better than Arsenal, they haven’t had to defend [in the first half], maybe once or twice. It’s been total dominance.
“Arsenal couldn’t live with this Leeds side in the first half. Leeds were better in every department. It looks like Leeds have got an extra man on that pitch.
“When you see the travelling fans, they’ve got everything, they’d be a great addition to the Premier League”.
Even Arsenal-mad Ian Wright couldn’t help but be effusive about Leeds, saying, “What we’re seeing is a well-coached team back to front. Leeds have been phenomenal.”
Talking after the game, Wright said, “The only thing Leeds are missing is a striker and if they can get a 15-20 goal man they’ll be more than a match for anyone.”
As we said, the result mattered little tonight. What was important was to take some confidence back to the Championship and when the players watch this game back and read the comments from the pundits like Lineker, Shearer and Wright, they should be on cloud nine.
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