LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal (L) applauds the fans following his side's victory during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arsenal Vs Leeds United: 5 things we learned – Mikel Arteta turns tide
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal (L) argues with Rob Holding of Arsenal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
4. Beating the press
Leeds United conducted a superb, largely man-orientated high press. It suffocated Arsenal throughout the first half, causing turnovers in advanced areas of the pitch, forcing errant passes that prevented the Gunners from progressing the play, and allowing them to dictate and control the match.
By half-time, they had 64% possession, 15 shots, which is more than 13 of 21 Premier League games this season, and forced Arsenal into pass accuracy rate of just 71%, which, if you’re not sure, is not very good. There were plenty of reasons for Leeds’ dominance, but it largely stemmed from the home side’s inability to play out from the back.
Full-backs Sokratis and Sead Kolasinac struggle to receive possession under pressure, Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi hid in the midfield, offering no passing options for either of the centre-halves, while Mesut Ozil could hardly get into the game — he had six touches in the first 30 minutes, the fewest of anyone on the pitch. Arsenal must be able to play out from the back, and on this evidence, they cannot.
Arsenal%e2%80%99s first FA Cup outing of the season, they seemingly forgot that they would have to turn up to beat the Championship leaders, Leeds United. For 45 minutes, the Gunners reverted to the Unai Emery dissonance of confusion and befuddlement. Then Mikel Arteta had 15 minutes to chew them out and they looked like a completely different team, Reiss Nelson eventually bundling home the only goal of the game.</p>
<h2><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pain-in-the-arsenal-podcast-on-arsenal-fc/id1314514440?ign-mpt=uo%3D4%26amp%3Buo%3D4&mt=2%22>Find the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal Podcast here — Mikel Guardiola or Pep Arteta?</a></h2>
<p>Here are five things we learned from<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50976532"> the 1-0 victory</a>.</p>
<div id="attachment_97292" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97292" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197901494-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: An Emirates FA Cup board is displayed pitch-side prior to the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>5. Mikel Arteta wants to win the FA Cup</h4>
<p>After a packed festive schedule and a new high-intensity, high-pressing scheme that caught out the players unfit and unprepared, I had expected <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=mikel+arteta%22>Mikel Arteta</a> to heavily rotate his team, providing plenty of rest for some of the players that he has used extensively in recent weeks. I was wrong.</p>
<p>Arteta played close to a full-strength team. Ainsley Maitland-Niles was rested at right-back, Lucas Torreira was also rested in midfield, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed out through illness. There was also the customary goalkeeper switch, though that is hardly for rest reasons. But other than these small changes, Arteta went strong.</p>
<p>Prior to the match, Arteta stated that he wanted to win the FA Cup as it instils a winning culture in the squad. He backed those words up with his team selection. His fist-pumping reaction at the final whistle was impassioned also. Arteta wanted to win this match and wants to win this competition.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4. Beating the press </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_97291" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97291" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197919842-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal (L) argues with Rob Holding of Arsenal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>4. Beating the press</h4>
<p>Leeds United conducted a superb, largely man-orientated high press. It suffocated Arsenal throughout the first half, causing turnovers in advanced areas of the pitch, forcing errant passes that prevented the Gunners from progressing the play, and allowing them to dictate and control the match.</p>
<p>By half-time, they had 64% possession, 15 shots, which is more than 13 of 21 Premier League games this season, and forced Arsenal into pass accuracy rate of just 71%, which, if you’re not sure, is not very good. There were plenty of reasons for Leeds’ dominance, but it largely stemmed from the home side’s inability to play out from the back.</p>
<p>Full-backs Sokratis and Sead Kolasinac struggle to receive possession under pressure, Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi hid in the midfield, offering no passing options for either of the centre-halves, while Mesut Ozil could hardly get into the game — he had six touches in the first 30 minutes, the fewest of anyone on the pitch. Arsenal must be able to play out from the back, and on this evidence, they cannot.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 3. Gabriel Martinelli is back </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_97301" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97301" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197930998-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Luke Ayling of Leeds United holds off Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>3. Gabriel Martinelli is back</h4>
<p>It may have only been from off the bench, and it might have only been a 23-minute cameo on the left flank, but the return of young Brazilian <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=gabriel+martinelli%22>Gabriel Martinelli</a> was as exciting as every fan thought it might be before kick-off.</p>
<div class="recent-posts ">
<h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4>
<ul>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/">
Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/">
When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury?
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/">
2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/">
Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/">
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start?
</a>
</li></ul>
</div>
<p>Immediately thrown into the line-up with his relentless energy and infectious effervescence, Martinelli pressed hard, harassing the Leeds defenders, not allowing them to build from deep, and was extremely dangerous when he received the ball to his feet.</p>
<p>His dribbling was most noticeable on this occasion. Luke Ayling, who is an excellent defender, could not contain him, Martinelli’s deceptive strength, explosive acceleration, and knack for wriggling past challenges making him extremely difficult to keep tabs on. Martinelli was the true definition of a handful.</p>
<p>As Mikel Arteta looks to build his team around a hard-working high press, quick, direct play in possession, and individual quality on the ball to beat defenders and score goals, Martinelli seems like the perfect player to execute it. His return, then, is most welcome.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2. Granit Xhaka, this cannot continue </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_97296" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97296" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197919497-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal controls the ball during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>2. Granit Xhaka, this cannot continue</h4>
<p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=granit+xhaka%22>Granit Xhaka</a> was one of the greatest benefactors of Mikel Arteta’s appointment as head coach. Starting two games under the Spaniard, Xhaka performed excellently in both, starting in central midfield and tasked with dictating play from deep, his superb passing range coming to the fore as Arteta protected him with a more intense high press in front of him and mobile midfield alongside.</p>
<p>But while Xhaka showed signs that he could perform constructively under Arteta’s coaching in recent weeks, the same limitations that have hampered his tenure in north London did not just magically disappear. He is still too dependent on his left foot, he struggles to deal with the ball under pressure, his tackling is woefully uncontrolled, and he is critically slow, so much so that any positive attributes cannot make up for his lack of athleticism.</p>
<p>All of these shortcomings came to the fore here. Xhaka was outrun by the Leeds midfielders, his touch was awful under pressure, his tackling was shockingly out of control, and he was a major problem throughout. Even when Arsenal improved in the second half, it was Matteo Guendouzi, not Xhaka, who wrestled control of the midfield away from Leeds. Quite frankly, Xhaka’s vulnerabilities cannot be solved. He will have good performances here and there, but he is unfixable. The quicker Arteta comes to that realisation the better.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 1. Arteta the ruthless </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_97304" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97304" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197927900-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>1. Arteta the ruthless</h4>
<p>When Alexandre Lacazette was asked what Mikel Arteta said to the Arsenal players at half-time to coax out such a turnaround in performance in the second half, he simply said, ‘He [Arteta] shouted a lot.’</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
<div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_97285" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;">
<script>
googletag.cmd.push(function () {
googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet")
.addService(googletag.pubads());
googletag.enableServices();
googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet");
});
</script>
</div>
</div> </div> </div>
<p>Now, I am sure that Arteta did a lot more than shout. He will have offered much more than hollering and hooting for the sake of it. But as was quite clear in his post-match interview, Arteta was incensed with the performance from his players in the first half, and he would not have hesitated to give his players a piece of his mind.</p>
<p>As has been made abundantly clear in his first few weeks in charge, Arteta has high standards, especially when it comes to the non-negotiable demands of work-rate, commitment and attitude. And if the players do not meet these standard, there will be no mercy. Arteta is ruthless.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Arsenal Vs Leeds United: Player ratings" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-turns-tide/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/06/arsenal-vs-leeds-united-player-ratings-reiss-nelson-rescue/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Arsenal Vs Leeds United: Player ratings </a> </div>
</div>
<p>As he said when asked what he learned from his former boss, Arteta is going to be a ruthless manager. And Arsenal will be the better for it, as proven by their second-half improvements here.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">
