Leeds United fell agonisingly short of earning a positive result at the Emirates as they were narrowly beaten by reigning Premier League champions Arsenal.

James Justin’s strike had put the Whites in the lead before the Gunners turned the clash in their favour with two second half goals.

Despite the result, midfielder Anton Stach wasn’t too downbeat, telling the media it is a sign of how far the team have come to go toe-to-toe with the Gunners.

“I think we did well today, over 60, 65 minutes,” the Germany international explained. “It was a really good away game. Away at Arsenal is not easy. They are one of the best teams in the world and then we competed very well.

“But the problem was when we conceded the goal, they were on it. They wanted to win it and they tried to attack with the crowd, with everybody. Sometimes you can’t defend everything.

“We tried everything. Sometimes it happens like this and I think we can be proud of our progress at the moment. We tried make it difficult for Arsenal. We tried everything tactically and also in terms of fighting.

“Nearly every game in the Premier League is very physical. I know that is one of our strengths, to be physical, and we tried to get it on the pitch today. I think we did quite well.

“It is always hard when you play against a good quality team. Arsenal have an amazing quality in the squad. But as I said, we competed well over 60, 65 minutes, and we need to take the positives and our recharge and then go again.”