The Gunners assertively reinforced their top four credentials as they heaped more misery on an obviously woeful Leeds United struggling at the bottom of the Premier League.
Arsenal’s impressive 4-1 win at Elland Road augured extremely well for the London side but was total mayhem and increased disappointment for Leeds United fans as their injury-hit squad – packed full of inexperienced youngsters for Saturday’s match – were consigned to a third straight defeat.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have to date conceded no less than 15 goals in their four matches so far this month and are hovering just a hair’s breadth just above the relegation zone as both Watford and Burnley now have multiple games in hand over the Yorkshire club, who could soon find themselves in the bottom three if results don’t turn around pronto.
Yet, despite the apparent gloom, there were still surprisingly some notable positives to take away from Saturday’s defeat.
Notably, many pundits and fans have taken to social media to praise the unbelievably commendable Elland Road atmosphere as the Leeds fans were unanimous and united as they vociferously voiced their full support for their players till the final whistle despite the result being a long foregone conclusion.
Former Manchester City, Newcastle United and England midfielder Joey Barton tweeted that it was “rare in modern sport” to see such backing.
He wrote: “Some atmosphere at Elland Road, Leeds 4-1 down at home. After losing 7 at Man City. Not bad period but they recognise the progress under Bielsa and stick with their team. Proper fans Good to see. Rare in modern era of support.”
Radio host, podcaster and Leeds supporter Rich Williams shared similar sentiments.
He wrote: “36,000 chanting ‘We all love Leeds’ from the 85th-93rd minute, like we’ve just won the game. Leeds fans, that.”
The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Chief Sports Writer, Graham Smyth, described the atmosphere as “sheer defiance”.
He wrote: “Majority of Elland Road on their feet singing ‘we all love Leeds’ in a show of sheer defiance. 1-4”.
While the atmosphere in the stands was worthy of praise, the performances on the pitch of the Leeds players gained less favorable reactions, understandably. However, it’s certainly worth mentioning just how badly hit by injuries this Leeds side have been as the local paper commented: “Leeds aren’t just injury-hit, they’ve been cut off at the knee as Bielsa bravely and gamely insists it’s just a flesh wound.”
The match was the most viewed of any Premier League match on Saturday, owing entirely to the fact that it was the only one to go ahead due to the latest Covid-19 disruptions.
The fixture card was decimated by Covid-19 related call-offs and the football world has been reacting exactly as you might expect.
The Athletic reporter Adam Crafton said it was a farce that things hat gotten to this stage.
He wrote: “The farce has reached the point where the only game going ahead today is one featuring the team with the most injuries and a great vaccination record in Leeds United. Which is pretty unlucky if you’re Leeds United.”