It was the night Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United went mainstream, the night everyone had their first taste of what might be in the top flight.
When Arsenal were drawn to host the Whites at Emirates Stadium in the third round of the FA Cup last January there was a nervous excitement about what might be.
Those of us who have followed Bielsa’s project knew how he would approach the game. The same way he has approached every single match of his career.
There would not be 10 defenders packed inside the United box looking to deny Arsenal space and nullify their attackers.
Bielsa would send out his usual 4-1-4-1 formation, attack at all costs and leave an ocean of room behind his ultra-high defensive line.
The attacking intent and Championship form on that stage provided the excitement, but the nerves derived from the quality of opposition and what they might do to Bielsa’s tactics. The great unknown.
Well, we know now. We had our first insight on that January 6 evening. That was the great litmus test for what we are now seeing on a weekly basis in the top flight.
The results have been mixed, but the established order has been shaken up and terrorised by the carefree attacking swarm of Bielsa’s United.
That first half at the Emirates has proven to be something of a gateway for this United team. They had a taste, thrived on it and have asked for more and more in this new season.
It was the birth of Illan Meslier in United colours, another consistent evening for the likes of Luke Ayling, Mateusz Klich and Patrick Bamford, but an extraordinary night for Jack Harrison, who deserved to be on the winning team that night.
The point is, Arsenal represent a jumping-off point for this team and facing them again this weekend should provide something a comfort blanket for the players after two chastening 4-1 thumpings.
The Gunners side will be different, as will United’s which, you may forget was not at full strength on the night in London either.
Mikel Arteta oozed with respect for what Bielsa had built after the match. He put the seal of approval on a blueprint which we saw can and will work against this opposition.
Arsenal may be the ideal opposition at the ideal time for United.
