Leeds United are being backed to grace the Premier League after their impressive performance in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side gave more than a good account of themselves as they fell to a narrow defeat at the Emirates on Monday night.
TalkSPORT’s Alan Brazil and co-host, former Arsenal midfielder, Ray Parlour dissected the performance this morning.
The match saw Leeds United miss a string of great chances in the first half with Arsenal grabbing the lead through Reiss Nelson in the second.
Brazil, known to listeners as Big Al, feels it is only a matter of time that Leeds will end their top flight exile with the Whites well-placed in the Championship promotion race.
He said: “They must be coming up. I like Leeds’ passion, not just the fans as they have a massive following, but on the pitch they look a unit - all together.”
Parlour, who was part of the legendary Arsenal Invincibles side, agreed and singled out Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford and on-loan defender Ben White for praise.
Parlour said: “Absolutely, in the first half those key players for Arsenal didn’t get a kick and that’s credit to Leeds. In midfield Phillips is excellent, Bamford had a couple of chances and I’m sure a couple of sides will be looking at White.
“Leeds, certainly in that first half, showed me they are probably the side to beat in the Championship. If they did come up to the Premier League I’m sure they could compete and be strong.”
Last night, Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites left the Emirates with all the plaudits despite falling to a 1-0 defeat to the Gunners.
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