Arsenal snatch last minute leveller against heroic Leeds

Fortune favours the brave! The fearless Leeds side went toe to toe with Arsenal at the Emirates and were sent into dreamland in the 54th minute, as Robert Snodgrass tucked away a penalty after Max Gradel was brought down by Denilson. But hearts of the 8,500 travelling Leeds fans were broken after stand in referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot after Theo Walcott was tucked back by Ben Parker. Fabregas the Spanish maestro calmly stepped up to wipe the disbelieve off the Gunners fans faces to draw level in the 90th minute.

The time for talk was over and now the players prepared for battle on the pitch. People would be forgiven for thinking Leeds were the home side as the travelling fans raised the roof at the Emirates to install a phenomenal atmosphere.

The main focal point of Simon Graysons team selection was the inclusion of Arsenal loanee Sanchez Watt, who Arsene Wenger earlier in the week said "I hope he doesn't play". Wenger showed he meant business with stars such as; Chamakh, Arshavin, Song and Rosicky all in the starting eleven.

The Leeds fans controlled the noise levels but it was Arsenal who controlled the opening period with Arshavin breaking Leeds' offside trap only to be denied by Kasper Schmeichel. Graysons side were soaking up the inevitable Arsenal pressure and looking to catch them on the break. Luciano Becchio nearly opened the scoring after Snodgrass sprung him in with a smart through ball but was denied by Szczesny.

It was a hard fought game in the middle of the park but United were often looking to find width with Gradel and Watt. The on loan youngster seemed in his element as he ran with freedom at the Arsenal defence, but when he got a sight of goal he could only manage to blaze over.

Frustration for the Gunners, Relief for the Whites. Arsenal pressed Leeds with a string of corners but two consecutive goal line clearances from Leeds skipper Jonny Howson added a certain spice to the encounter. The home side battered the United back line but could not create a clear cut chance. It wasn't long until Becchio was called upon to hack away another shot fired towards the United goal as Leeds kept putting their body's on the line to take a 0-0 scoreline into the break.

In the second half both teams came out looking to strike first, but to shock of 59,000 fans inside the Emirates it would be Leeds who took first blood. Max Gradel twisted and turned after being unleashed on another United counter attack and Denilson could only stick out a leg to bring down the Ivorian. The inform Scott took the responsibility and placed the ball on the spot, with the away fans voicing their delight Snodgrass ran up and hammered home past the disappearing dive of Szczesny. The entire Leeds side embraced the travelling fans! They wouldn't dare do it again would they?

Wenger clearly didn't see this in the script! He turned to Fabregas to save the situation as players like Arshavin contributed woefully. Leeds naturally were pegged back as they endured wave after wave of Arsenal attacks. With all this pressure it left the home side open at the back and Leeds nearly fired themselves into the 4th round when a powerful Luciano Becchio header was superbly saved from Szczesny which kept Arsenal in the tie.

Grayson made the decision to bolster his defence by bringing on Leigh Bromby for Sanchez Watt, but wouldn't this invite pressure? Some say attack is the best form of defence, but as Leeds resigned to holding on to this slim one goal lead Wenger turned to speedster Theo Walcott to make the difference.

Leeds fans were in full voice whilst the minutes ticked down, as the clouds cleared it seemed it would be the Yorkshire sides day. Kasper Schmeichel was proving why he attracted such lucrative Premier League offers in the summer by quelling any danger in the United box.

However the pressure finally tolled when substitute Walcott was played through and Ben Parker pulled him back leaving Dowd know choice in to pointing to the spot. Schmeichel had been unbeatable so far as the clock ticked into added time, Fabregas Fantastic vs The Great Dane! Sadly it could not be another scalp for Leeds as Arsenal drew level to set up a thrilling encounter at Elland Road. However deep into stoppage time Arsenal nearly snatched it as Denilson hit a thunderous strike but as he had countless times previously in the tie Schmeichel made a world class save to deny the Gunners.

That concluded a special day out for Leeds, and the fans voiced their jubilation at the final whistle after seeing their Leeds side put in a terrific account of themselves to earn another FA Cup draw in North London.

Post-match: 
Arsene Wenger spoke about Leeds' strong performance and spot on tactics.
Cesc Fabregas praised the performance of Kasper Schmeichel, and stated they must play their hearts out up in Leeds if they are going to progress.
Theo Walcott admitted diving in the attempt to get a penalty when he went down in the box within the final moments appealing for a penalty, it was originally given before Phil Dowd changed his mind after consulting his assistant.Walcott and Arsenal got their penalty a couple minutes later which resulted in their equaliser which takes the tie to a replay at Elland Road.

Att. 59,520

  Arsenal 1-1 Leeds

Snodgrass (pen) 54 - Leeds

Fabregas (pen) 90 - Arsenal

Men of the Match: Kasper Schmeichel & Alex Bruce