Leeds United 0-1 Arsenal
by Layth Yousif
at Elland Road

THERE were farcical scenes at Elland Road yesterday prior to Arsenal’s dogged 1-0 win over Leeds, when the match was suspended for 40 minutes after only 23 seconds play due to a power cut. 

Supporters in a season’s best attendance of 36,700 looked on in bewilderment and frustration following referee Chris Kavanagh halting proceedings after losing contact with VAR at Stockley Park.

The incident was hugely embarrassing for the relevant authorities and symptomatic of a wider malaise under this malfunctioning Tory government.

As fans pondered on whether it was bad luck, incompetence or the first blackout of what will be a long winter under the administration of Liz Truss, the crowd started singing: ‘Fuck VAR’, while a sage nearby asked pointedly: ‘Why do we need electric to play football?’ 

As the clock ticked towards what should have been half time, power was finally restored, after a sheepish club official told the Morning Star that, yes, they had rebooted the system.

To the relief of both teams, supporters at the stadium, the millions watching around the world — though curiously, not in the UK, as the match was not beamed live — as well as, no doubt, shamefaced Premier League mandarins — play eventually restarted, at 2.42pm.

The Gunners came into the match in fine form, having won their last six matches on the bounce in all competitions, further buoyed by the knowledge that they were unbeaten in the last 12 games against Leeds home and away, including 10 wins. 

Yet, statistics count for nothing amid the raucous atmosphere of Elland Road — as power duly restored, the club’s rousing anthem Marching All Together was sung loudly and proudly. 

The home side came flying out of the blocks the second time around following the power cut — with No23 Luis Sinisterra firing narrowly wide moments after the restart.

Sinisterra, a lively 23-year-old Colombian signed from Feyenoord, cut in to force a smart save by Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale on 20 minutes. The resulting corner saw the shot-stopper keep out Marc Roca.

Yet it was Martin Odegaard who was to provide the assist for Bukayo Saka to fire home past Illan Meslier, high into the roof of the net to put the Gunners ahead 10 minutes before the interval. 

Substitute Patrick Bamford, who was introduced by head coach Jesse Marsch at the break, replacing Rodrigo, had a goal disallowed immediately, prior to Ramsdale smothering a chance shortly afterwards. The pair then tangled after the Arsenal keeper blocked Bamford’s effort midway through the half. 

Elland Road was at fever pitch before Bamford fluffed his penalty on 64 minutes after ref Kavanagh was directed by VAR to check William Saliba’s handball.

High drama continued as Gabriel received the red card after a challenge with Bamford, to see referee Kavanagh award a spot-kick. However, the official was instructed by VAR to review the monitor — before changing his mind for a foul by the Leeds forward, to disallow the penalty, leaving home fans incandescent.

As the final whistle blew, the Gunners consolidated their lead at the top of the Premier League, as they somehow held on for a hard-fought victory, on an exceedingly strange afternoon.