Wow, what a match. We should have had two penalties, one when the Arsenal sub hacked down Hoolahan in the area, and then another for when Russell Martin was pulled down when he would have had a header a few yards out. Arsenal were denied a stonewall penalty for a blatant handball by Lappin, but the push on RVP by Naughton maybe was right not to give due to Gervinioh being offside. Arsenal should have had Ramsey sent off for two poor challenges, but only the first was booked. Maybe if he had been sent off, and the penalties given Arsenal would never have come at us like that at the end. But on the balance of play for their chances created Arsenal deserved a draw and could of had more.
Let's face it though, Arsenal were a shambles at the back. Szecney was awful today, but all the way through their game Gervinioh (Damn I can't spell his name!) and Van Persie caused problems aplenty.
Ruddy - 9 - How often have I said this? The only goals he shipped, no 'keeper in the world could have saved. Perhaps he was lucky that Arsenal hit most of their stuff straight at him, but boy was I glad he caught all those crosses!
Naughton - 7 - Crucial in our first goal, he struggled abit with Arsenal players running at him though.
Martin - 9 - Superb at CB against world class strikers. Couldn't fault him for any of the goals and wouldn't want to.
R Bennett - 8 - Blocked two certain goals, and unlucky to have been on a team that conceded three goals. If Rusty can teach him everything he knows about positioning, he will be the best defender in the world!
Lappin - 7 - I don't want to be too critical but to be honest he was out of depth today - playing in an unfamiliar LB position against top players. He was excellent for most of the game, but responsible for at least two Arsenal goals. But, that shouldn't overshadow an excellent match for the King of Spain, who deserves to play against Aston Villa next week too!
Johnson - 9 - I thought he was great. The steel the midfield needs, I'm not sure why he is ever out the team. If only his shooting wasn't so wild!
E Bennett - 7 - Playing more centrally, he wasn't that involved in the game, but he always has done well backtracking to defend, and his pace was a nuisance for Arsenal.
Howson - 7.5 - Played the inch-perfect pass for Morrison's goal. Ken Bate's attempts to convince Leeds fans that we paid over the odds for him look even more laughable!
Hoolahan - 7 - Much better today! His goal was a little lucky, but at least he looked more like the Wes Hoolahan we love. But he got himself a really silly booking and for that I am annoyed with him.
Jackson - 7 - He was lively all match, included for his pace and used it to good effect. Missed some guilt-edged chances though.
Holt - 9 - A real thorn in the side, but hey, he's done it all season long, hasn't he? I swear his passing improves every game too! His goal was lucky too, but deserved the chance for a hat-trick with two attempts from the penalty spot!
Subs:
Pilkington - 6 - Not much to say, came on when it was all Arsenal and I wonder if a more defensive option would have been better employed.
Morrison - 7.5 - Hopefully went someway to silence his doubters. A great finish and several great crosses in his brief cameo. Lazy and doesn't create chances for others?
Wilbraham - 6 - See Pilkington!
So, I'm very happy with the result today, at first it seemed like points dropped, but Arsenal were unplayable in last thirty minutes and had penalty shouts of their own, so a draw it a good result. But to me, the performance is what really mattered!