Telling insight as James Justin shares Leeds United intent after Arsenal defeat and Man United approach plan
James Justin on Leeds United’s display at Arsenal and next weekend’s Manchester United visit.
James Justin has provided a telling sign of Leeds United’s ambition and standards in assessing the weekend’s defeat at Arsenal and intent ahead of next weekend’s Manchester United visit.
Justin’s brilliant finish from a Gabi Gudmundsson cross had Daniel Farke’s Whites 1-0 up in Saturday’s return to Premier League action at defending champions Arsenal who Leeds had on the ropes as part of a fine display at the Emirates.
The Gunners, though, ultimately fought back to secure a 2-1 victory, ending United’s unbeaten start to the season in their second year back in the Premier League.
Despite the disappointment of the defeat, Justin said United’s display highlighted the progress made by his side, the defender giving a clear indication of his team’s standards and ambition in citing the hope beforehand had been to leave the Emirates not just with a positive result but all three points.
Justin, though, who hailed a good feeling around the squad, said Leeds would now take the positives and improve on the negatives ahead of next weekend’s huge visit of Roses rivals Manchester United.
"It shows where we are improving as a club and there's a good feeling around the place,” said Justin to LUTV about the Arsenal display.
"Obviously we started the season off before the international break unbeaten and we wanted to continue that and take home the three points.
"But that wasn't going to be. We are going to have to take the positives and improve on the negatives because obviously we have got a big one next weekend."
Speaking with TNT Sports after the defeat at the Emirates and as quoted by Leeds United’s official website, Justin said: “I would say obviously we are disappointed which is, I would say in the grand scheme of things, a good thing.
“Because we came here last year and we were nowhere near the level and today we proved how far we have come from the start of last season. So, there are a lot of positives to take from the game but also things we can learn.
“We have still got time to get there yet”
“And obviously, we are playing against one of the best sides in the world so they are going to have momentum and put us under pressure. We coped well through the majority of the game but, yeah, there is a reason why they are up there.
“Their mentality is unbelievable. What the coach has instilled in them since he has been at the club – he has been there so long now – everyone works. No matter what the score is, they are always fighting. That is what we are striving for.
“We have still got time to get there yet, as you can tell today but as I said, there are positives we can take out and we can hold our heads up high.”