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Why Gabriel Gudmundsson is Leeds United's key to Arsenal joy in second half
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- Why Gabriel Gudmundsson is Leeds United's key to Arsenal joy in second half
Leeds United are halfway to a fantastic point against Arsenal.
Daniel Farke's side remain locked in a goalless affair with the Gunners at half-time on Saturday.
It's been a game of precious few opportunities for either side, with Leeds doing well to nullify Arsenal's attacking threats.
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Mikel Arteta's men will be growing increasingly frustrated at their inability to break the Whites down.
The longer the game stays at 0-0 in the second half, more chances could present themselves to Leeds on the counter.
Should that be the case, the evidence is there from the opening 45 that Gabriel Gudmundsson will likely be at the centre of any Whites counter-punch.
How involved has Gabriel Gudmundsson been in Arsenal vs Leeds?
Making his fourth start of this Premier League season on Saturday, Gudmundsson is undoubtedly a key player for Leeds.
The 27-year-old left wing-back probably doesn't get the goal contribution numbers he deserves at Leeds, however.
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Indeed, he only scored once and provided one assist in 35 total appearances last season.
But he's looked the most likely avenue to goal for Leeds in the first half against Arsenal, and thus his role in the game is only set to increase.
Per FotMob , 36 per cent of Leeds' attacking play in the first half has come down Gudmundsson's left side, which is the most of any area on the pitch.
The Swedish international has completed seven of his eight passes accurately, created one chance and one big chance.
He's also played three passes into the final third, attempted two crosses, taken two touches in the Arsenal box and made two interceptions.
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Overall then, just how good has Leeds' defensive performance been in the first half against the Premier League champions?
Daniel Farke makes Sean Longstaff howler as Leeds United XI drops vs Arsenal How many shots have Arsenal had in first half vs Leeds?
Despite their excellent start to the season, many predicted Saturday would be a very tough afternoon for Leeds against Arsenal.
However, Farke's side have so far made the Gunners look pretty ordinary, and will fancy their chances of pinching three points in the second half.
Per FotMob, Arsenal have only registered four shots on goal in the opening 45, with only one of those being on target.
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Arsenal have an expected goals (xG) of 0.41, with Leeds forcing their attacks out wide with only 21 per cent of the home sides forward play coming through the middle.
Leeds must be careful they don't shoot themselves in the foot, however, as both Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu are on yellow cards, as is Farke for dissent.
