16th April 2004: Arsenal 5-0 Leeds United

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Thierry A. Delivered a masterclass, which accurately represented the contrasting fortunes of the sides, as they met for the last time before Leeds’ relegation from the top-flight.

The Arsenal legend scored four goals as the unbeaten team moved closer to winning their coveted Premier League trophy.

Despite having players like Dominic Radebe, Lucas Harte, Ian Kelly, Gary Robinson, and Paul Milner, who were truly outclassed at Highbury, the Peacocks boasted young talents such as Matteo, James, and Mark Smith, along with Alan Viduka.

In the 67th minute, Henry increased their advantage to five goals, and Arsenal were leading 3-0 at half-time, with Robert Pires finding the back of the net in the opening six minutes.

Luckily for Leeds, the French striker would shortly leave North London for fresh prospects in Barcelona, never to return. Is that not accurate?

January 8th, 2011: Arsenal 1-1 Leeds United

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In the third round of the FA Cup, Highbury witnessed a thrilling encounter between Leeds and Arsenal, where Henry’s incredible speed and agility after seven years left the crowd in awe.

In the previous season, Leeds had descended to League One for the very first time in their past, but subsequently gained promotion back to the Championship. Meanwhile, the Gunners team was merely a reflection of the Invincibles side, currently competing at the Emirates.

Simon Grayson’s side were eager to make headlines in the second season of the FA Cup, almost a year after tasting a sweet victory over Manchester United, by forcing Tottenham Hotspur into a fourth round replay.

Max Gradel fouled in the area after slotting home from 12 yards, silencing the home supporters when Robert Snodgrass scored. The first half ended goalless, but they did it just after that.

Luciano Becchio’s goal advantage was doubled by the visitors, but Arsenal managed to hold on and secure a draw. Ben Parker fouled Theo Walcott in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick that was converted by Cesc Fabregas.

At Elland Road, a rematch was arranged and Denilson’s hopes of a last-minute victory were dashed by an exceptional stop from Kasper Schmeichel in the final minutes.

January 19, 2011: Leeds 1-3 Arsenal

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Unfortunately, in West Yorkshire, their North London adversaries emerged as the victorious team with a 3-1 scoreline in the subsequent rematch, thereby preventing Leeds from making history.

Samir Nasri got the visitors off to the perfect start with a fifth-minute opener, before Bacary Sagna’s scorching effort doubled their lead.

Bradley Johnson scored one of the club’s most memorable goals, as he rose to shoot his corner into the top corner of Arsenal’s goal. However, Leeds wouldn’t go down without a fight and allowed the loose midfielder to score from outside the area, cutting the deficit.

Robin van Persie’s 76th-minute goal eliminated the Whites from the match, but Grayson’s team could leave with their heads held high after challenging one of the powerhouses of the Premier League.

Interestingly, they would have another opportunity to surpass Arsenal in the FA Cup of the next season.

January 9th, 2012: Arsenal defeats Leeds 1-0

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We all know what happened. Yeah, he came from there, right? Remember that French striker who liked scoring against us in the old days of the Premier League.

It felt like Thierry Henry’s goal-winning stars were written in the stars, as he decided to leave Barcelona after five years and return to the Gunners on loan from the New York Red Bulls.

Indeed, he scored his 12th goal in the 12th minute while wearing the number 12 shirt, during the game against Leeds.

The emotional return of Leeds’ expense resulted in Arsenal progressing to the fourth round of the FA Cup, stealing the headlines in North London, as expected by the veteran.

Opportunities, in relation to their wastefulness, both McCormack Ross and Becchio Luciano had chances to stun the Premier League side but were unable to steal the spotlight from the returning king.

January 6th, 2020: Arsenal 1-0 Leeds United

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Since his arrival at Elland Road in 2018, Marcelo Bielsa’s introduction to a top-tier opponent in English football, Bielsaball and Leeds have been prominently displayed by the nation. Despite being yet another defeat, the experience felt distinct for the Argentine manager.

The Whites completely dominated the hosts in the first half, taking a considerable lead that separated them from Mikel Arteta’s side. The finish was clinical and all was that.

Meslier Illan, the debutant goalkeeper, stepped up to ensure a resounding victory for Leeds, as the young gaffer’s inspiring team talk at half time saw the Gunners lose control of the match.

Leeds took the lead against Arsenal as their young French goalkeeper revealed his credentials with an excellent distribution in the opening 45 minutes, impressing the supporters.

In the upcoming season, the Peacocks had been alerted by what was to happen in the Premier League, however, it didn’t matter; an audacious Leeds team was defeated by Arsenal with Reiss Nelson’s goal being sufficient, and the hosts emerged victorious. The Peacocks’ journey to promotion now had no distractions.