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Arsenal fans discuss Marcelo Bielsa comment after win vs Leeds
A number of Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to laud Marcelo Bielsa after his response to being asked whether Leeds United’s clash with the Gunners should have been postponed amid the growing injury crisis at Elland Road.
Of course, much of the headlines right now centre around which games in the Premier League will be postponed. In fact, five of Saturday’s six scheduled fixtures were called off, with Aston Villa’s clash with Burnley going two hours before kick-off.
Obviously, it is not entirely clear just how many players are currently unavailable for each club. But it is hard to imagine that every side not playing is dealing with the kind of problems that Leeds are working with.
They are now into double figures for injuries. And amongst those on the sidelines are key first-team players such as Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo and Daniel James.
The situation is different with injuries not being contagious. And Bielsa would have always been aware of the risks that come with carrying a smaller squad at the start of the season.
Nevertheless, it was frightening to see just how difficult Leeds are finding it to field a side right now. 15-year-old Archie Gray was amongst the substitutes against Arsenal on Saturday.
‘The rules don’t contemplate the amount of injuries’
Ultimately, the game went ahead. And unsurprisingly, Arsenal largely cruised to a comfortable win. They were 3-0 up before the break. And they added a fourth late on after Raphinha had given the home side a lifeline from the penalty spot.
Bielsa was asked afterwards whether there was any chance the game should have been called off. And while many rival bosses may have suggested it should, the Leeds boss insisted they had no right to request such a decision.
“No, no, to the series of injuries we added Cresswell who picked up an injury in his shoulder and Llorente due to illness,” he said, . “But the rules don’t contemplate the amount of injuries for a game to be suspended even if we had ten players less; one was through suspension, one was through illness and the rest were through injury.”
Some Leeds fans may have wished there were grounds for the game to be postponed. But plenty of Arsenal supporters have lauded the Whites boss for his comments. They insisted that he deserves huge credit for not complaining.
‘Respect’: Arsenal fans laud Marcelo Bielsa after Leeds clash
Several have expressed their hope that Leeds get themselves away from danger as they appreciate Bielsa’s preference to get on with the football rather than make excuses…
Repect
— T (@afcgab_06)
Fair play to Bielsa, swear most PL managers would just have a cry in this situation
— FlxtchArsenal (@FlxtchArsenal)
What a gentleman he wasn’t complaining about the injuries post match, i hope they won’t sack him and once the players are fit and back Iam sure they will not be in the relegation zone
— Jeeva Jaan (@JeevaJaan)
He is an honest man Klopp would do a 20 mins interview as to why it should of been postponed
— 𝙂𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 (@AfcGabeast)
Bielsa is a man of honour you cannot deny that.and leeds will be fine this season in th end
— himalya (@iamhimalya)
Class as always. 👌🏻
Unlike some who’d cry at every opportunity they’d get to complain 😭— Mohit Godbole (@mohitgodbole24)
Respect Bielsa.. many would have made excuses
— Sheraz (@sheraz_10)
Bielsa is such a gentleman honestly wish him well and Leeds i know he will bounce back goodluck to him and Leeds
— Lacazette (@Mwawasi__)
Never looks for excuses or blames things outwith his control. Absolute class act.
— Skin McGinley (@McginleySkin)