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George Bennett

'Long road to survival' National media verdict on Leeds United points to tough days ahead

A round-up of what the national media are reporting after Leeds United's 4-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

'Still a long road to survival'

The Mirror's Nathan Ridley wrote: "And what about Leeds? Although they were safe from falling into the drop zone on Saturday, their clear-cut defeat in North London reminded any supporters who'd got a bit too carried away before the international break that there's still a long road to survival.

"Barely laying a glove on Arsenal until Rasmus Kristensen's consultation strike, Javi Gracia failed in his bid to cause an upset away to the league leaders. Fortunately, their next three games are at Elland Road, where they boast a much better record this season.

"Tuesday's clash with Nottingham Forest is frankly huge, as is Sunday's game against Crystal Palace before welcoming Liverpool eight days later. Gracia knows how to get a team in shape for survival, but time is against him with 10 games to go."

'April set to be a crucial month'

Matthew Howarth of BBC Sport wrote: "Leeds boss Gracia said before the game that the recent international break had left his squad with "big problems" before the trip to north London, with Max Wober and Wilfried Gnonto suffering injuries while playing for their countries.

"The visitors lined up in a 4-3-3 formation at the Emirates, with Crysencio Summerville and Luis Sinisterra either side of Brenden Aaronson up front, and Jack Harrison, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca in midfield.

"Harrison did an excellent job of stifling Odegaard in the opening exchanges, having apparently been given strict instructions to man-mark the Norwegian when the Gunners were in possession. Unfortunately for Gracia's team, they failed to make the most of three good first-half opportunities and rarely looked like recovering from Jesus' first-half penalty.

"With games against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Leicester and Bournemouth coming up in their next six games, April is set to be a crucial month for Gracia's team as they look to keep their heads above water."

'Relatively plain sailing'

The ESPN match report read: "Leeds had troubled Arsenal in the opening period but once Jesus put the hosts ahead it was relatively plain sailing as they restored their eight-point lead over champions Man City.

"The visitors did raise a few jitters in the home crowd when Rasmus Kristensen's deflected shot gave Leeds a 76th-minute lifeline but Granit Xhaka's header secured another three points in Arsenal's quest for a first title since 2004.

"City had earlier ramped up the pressure on Mikel Arteta's side with a 4-1 thrashing of Liverpool. Arsenal's seventh successive league win moved them to 72 points from 29 games with City, who still have to play the London club at home, on 64 having played one game less.

"Leeds remain in a precarious position in 16th place with 26 points, a point above 18th-placed Leicester City."

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