‘In each other’s faces’: BBC pundit spotted Arsenal and Leeds player having a ‘great battle’ at Elland Road

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Arsenal held on against Leeds at Elland Road today for a massive win in the context of their Premier League title push.

The Gunners rode their luck at times in the second half as a Patrick Bamford missed penalty and then another late denial of a pen in injury time ensured Arsenal hung on. Arsenal’s defence also produced big moments, with Gabriel getting a fine block in to deny Luis Sinisterra at one point.

All in all, it was a fine battle really between two sides who looked desperate to win. And BBC pundit Pat Nevin picked up on that intensity, as he noticed how Gabi Martinelli and Leeds’ new signing Rasmus Kristensen were at each other all game.

“Martinelli against Kristensen is a great battle. They are in each other’s faces all of the time. Kristensen is asking questions of Martinelli,” Nevin said on BBC commentary today.

Martinelli, as we know, has been in fine form all season long but was kept at bay today. The Brazilian did show a defensive resilience to his game, however, as he worked back to help the Gunners.

Certainly, the battle between Kristensen and Martinelli was an intriguing one and something the Arsenal youngster will have learnt a lot from.

TBR’s View: Martinelli Work Rate Impressive

To beat Leeds, you have to work very hard and Gabriel Martinelli did just that today to help his team. The Brazilian was a threat going forward again but he was good in helping at the back too.

Leeds pushed Arsenal hard today, possibly harder than anyone else has. However, the Gunners showed resilience and at the moment, look a good bet to win the title.

Mikel Arteta will be delighted with Martinelli and all his Arsenal players, who won in a different way to really show their credentials off.