More recently Leeds won the last north London encounter in the competition between the two in 1997 when Rodney Wallace's goal gave George Graham victory on his first return to Highbury after his sacking by Arsenal. In 1991 the two teams played out a four-game, seven-hour marathon fourth-round tie, finally resolved in Arsenal's favour by Paul Merson's winner at Elland Road.
Arsène Wenger has never been knocked out at this stage of the FA Cup in 14 campaigns to date and has lost only one home tie – the defeat by Leeds mentioned above. Unusually he has given permission for Sanchez Watt, in his second spell on loan at Elland Road from Arsenal, to play for the visitors. Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs, Watt's London Colney co-graduates, are expected to make their first-team returns for Arsenal.
Having caught Manchester United cold in the third round a year ago, Ken Bates, the Leeds chairman, expects his players to go out with the same carefree and fearless attitude they took with them to Old Trafford. "No one expects us to win, which means they are under no pressure. The players can go out and express themselves and give a good account of themselves," he said. "Let's go and show what we can do and with that attitude the pressure is on Arsenal."
One thing's for sure, it is highly unlikely that Wenger will be frustrated by the type of overly defensive tactics Arsenal encountered during the draw with Manchester City. Despite a 12-match unbeaten run, ended by the midweek defeat at Cardiff City, Leeds have conceded 43 goals in 26 Championship games. Shutting up shop will not be part of their gameplan.
Source: Rob Bagchi, The Guardian on 7 Jan 11
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