Former Premier League footballer Ray Parlour hailed the performance of Leeds United despite their FA Cup third-round exit to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Monday.
[freshpress-poll id=”270032″]
Reiss Nelson’s solitary strike was enough to see off a spirited Whites display as the visitors spurned a number of first-half chances.
Ex-Gunner Parlour was extremely impressed with Leeds’ threat, particularly in the first period of the game which saw them dominate their top-flight opponents.
Speaking on TalkSPORT, Parlour gave credit to the Championship leaders’ performance and suggested they could hold their own should they hold on to their advantage at the top and become a Premier League outfit next season.
He said: “First half, they really looked a unit.
“Mesut Ozil didn’t get a kick – key players for Arsenal didn’t get a kick. That’s credit to Leeds because they knew how to play against them.
“That midfield, [Kalvin] Phillips is excellent. [Ben] White at the back – I’m sure lots of clubs will be looking at him.
“Leeds, certainly in that first half, showed me that they are probably the side to beat in the Championship – and if they did come up to the Premier League, I’m sure they could compete and be very, very strong.”
Leeds could certainly count themselves unlucky for not being able to turn their dominance into goals, with the Whites out-shooting Arsenal on the night – which is even more impressive considering the Gunners had 16 shots of their own (to the visitors’ 18).
Coming into the game with a nine-point advantage over the play-off places in the second tier, you could have made an argument to suggest that Leeds were already a class above their current league opponents.
So their valiant display against Arsenal – which also saw them comfortably win the battle for possession – is another sign of their potential, ahead of what could finally be the season in which they get promoted.
That justifies Parlour’s claim that Leeds could be competitive in the Premier League after going toe-to-toe with a giant such as Arsenal.
Leeds fans, did the Arsenal display give you confidence for the months ahead? Let us know your thoughts below!
