Hector Bellerin explains how hard it is to play against Leeds, following Sunday’s draw

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Hector Bellerin has been quoted by Leeds Live when explaining just how hard it is to play against Leeds United, following Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal at Elland Road – in which the Whites dominated, but failed to make a breakthrough.

The woodwork came to Arsenal’s rescue on numerous situations as the Whites came within inches of scoring on numerous occasions. Arsenal claimed a point, which they will be delighted about following the red card received by Nicolas Pepe.

Arsenal did have a chance to score, with Bellerin breaking through and finding Bukayo Saka with a stunning pass. However, the England international failed to convert – with Illan Meslier sprawling across his goal to deny the left-footer.

Speaking after the 0-0 draw, Bellerin – who was the subject of a £30million (Guardian) bid from PSG in the summer – commented on Leeds and paid the Whites an enormous compliment, stating it was very difficult to play against Bielsa’s men.

“I don’t know if people at home realise how difficult it is to play against a team like this,” Bellerin said. “They literally don’t rest in the whole game. It is a challenge. They’ve been working really hard and this is their third year [under Marcelo Bielsa].

“They know how they want to play. Sometimes we are going to have teams that are going to wait for us, sometimes we are going to have teams that are going to press high and sometimes we are going to have teams like Leeds – who are all over the pitch.”

TBR’s view – How can Leeds lose to Leicester and Palace, but outplay Arsenal?

The way Leeds play means they play better against teams that leave gaps in behind. Arsenal, for example, are keen to keep possession and look to create – rather than hit teams on the counter attack. It means they leave gaps in behind.

That saw Leeds break the Gunners down on numerous occasions and have plenty of chances to score. Leicester and Palace – who inflicted 4-1 defeats on Leeds – play with two solid blocks and then attack on the counter.

It means Leeds struggle to break them down as easily, but then shine when going forward – when Leeds have left gaps at the back.