FA Cup draw at Arsenal shows that Leeds United are still famous and belong back in the Premier League
Those of us gathered at the Emirates on Saturday were presented with another stirring reminder that Leeds United are only on loan to the Football League.
Making his point: Leeds United manager Simon Grayson at the Emirates Photo: EPA
Leeds United will be back in the Premier League one day, playing at the Emirates on an annual basis. The size and passion of their support and the quality of individuals like Robert Snodgrass will continue to lift them up.
Most importantly, their ambitious manager Simon Grayson has the drive, nous and level-headedness to keep Leeds marching on together, marching on upwards.
The club’s colossal support, 9,000 of whom had brought a real atmosphere to the Emirates, may need to rework their chant of “we’re not famous any more”, even if it is sung with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Leeds will always be famous, just occasionally off the national radar. The FA Cup provides an opportunity to show they are still here, still believing.
At the final whistle, Grayson’s men went over to salute those chorusing “we’re Leeds and we’re proud of it”. Not for the first time, Snodgrass led the way across Arsenal’s lush lawn, walking to the corner to applaud the jubilant crowd. Alex Bruce strode through the middle, ripping off his sweat-stained shirt and launching it into the writhing throng.
Leeds captain Jonny Howson was also stripped to the waist, the armband now clamped around a bicep, the midfielder finally able to draw breath after his immense efforts. As he led his players towards the tunnel, Howson glanced up, slightly surprised, to find row upon row of Arsenal fans had remained behind to clap Leeds off.
Grayson is like Holloway, a real football man driven by a desire for his team to work hard and entertain. Before Leeds emerged from their well-appointed dressing room, Grayson told his charges “do yourself proud”. No regrets. Go for it.
And they did. Kasper Schmeichel, Howson and company gave everything, seizing the lead through Snodgrass’ penalty and resisting the rising red tide until the class of Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas eventually told. Any tinge of frustration at the denouement lasted only a moment in Leeds hearts. The delight at the draw, at getting such aristocrats back to Elland Road, was voiced long and loud.
Hearing a noise above them, a few hundred Leeds fans immediately looked up to the corporate section on the tier above. Soon thousands were pointing and waving to the smart seats, where a handful of Leeds supporters were unveiling a club flag. It felt the friendliest of invasions.
Not famous any more? No chance. Not with so many strong people dragging them back towards the promised land. Leeds’ performance here was a reminder of the quality that can be found outside the Premier League.
From back to front, Leeds’ players did their club proud, also delivering a display that was in the rich tradition of FA Cup endeavour. Schmeichel and Bruce excelled in frustrating Arsenal.
Snodgrass particularly caught the eye. Although lacking electric pace, the 23 year-old undeniably possesses the technical calibre and invention to threaten leading defences, whether through the middle initially here or then out wide as Grayson cunningly set Arsenal more challenges.
Snodgrass shone against Tottenham last season and Andrea Dossena’s Liverpool career never recovered from his mauling by the Scot at Elland Road. Arsenal will not find it straightforward in Yorkshire next week.
And they did. Kasper Schmeichel, Howson and company gave everything, seizing the lead through Snodgrass’ penalty and resisting the rising red tide until the class of Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas eventually told. Any tinge of frustration at the denouement lasted only a moment in Leeds hearts. The delight at the draw, at getting such aristocrats back to Elland Road, was voiced long and loud.
Hearing a noise above them, a few hundred Leeds fans immediately looked up to the corporate section on the tier above. Soon thousands were pointing and waving to the smart seats, where a handful of Leeds supporters were unveiling a club flag. It felt the friendliest of invasions.
Not famous any more? No chance. Not with so many strong people dragging them back towards the promised land. Leeds’ performance here was a reminder of the quality that can be found outside the Premier League.
From back to front, Leeds’ players did their club proud, also delivering a display that was in the rich tradition of FA Cup endeavour. Schmeichel and Bruce excelled in frustrating Arsenal.
Snodgrass particularly caught the eye. Although lacking electric pace, the 23 year-old undeniably possesses the technical calibre and invention to threaten leading defences, whether through the middle initially here or then out wide as Grayson cunningly set Arsenal more challenges.
Snodgrass shone against Tottenham last season and Andrea Dossena’s Liverpool career never recovered from his mauling by the Scot at Elland Road. Arsenal will not find it straightforward in Yorkshire next week.
