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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Andrew Steel

Why Leeds United were a 'nightmare' for Mikel Arteta

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta describe facing Leeds United as a "nightmare", comparing their encounter with them in the FA Cup to a trip to the dentist.

The Whites were edged out in their third round tie against the Premier League heavyweights at the Emirates Stadium on Monday evening, as Marcelo Bielsa fielded experience and youth against a strong home side.

United dominated in the first half too, but were unable to find a response after Reiss Nelson netted the only goal of the game just before the hour mark.

Nonetheless, Bielsa and his team left their mark on an opponent they hope to face with more regularity next season as Leeds continue their pursuit of promotion to the Premier League.

Speaking about the Championship leaders after his side's win, Gunners boss Arteta hailed them as a "great team" when asked whether he expected to face them next season in the top-flight.

"(They are) a nightmare!" he told his post-match press conference. "A nightmare for every team to play.

"I said before the game, to play against them is like going to the dentist! It's tough. they make it really hard.

"They are a great team, what they have achieved consistently every three days with those players - what they built there is powerful. You can see every time you analyse any of their games it's exactly like this so it's top to see that, top."

Leeds return their attention now to achieving that dream of promotion, with a derby clash against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Visit our dedicated Leeds United page for the latest news, views and analysis from Elland Road.

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