This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Leeds United fans may have had a bit of a vested interest in Arsenal’s Europa League game on Thursday, but perhaps not for the reason you’d first think of.
Indeed, Leeds have been linked with one of Standard Liege’s players in recent days as The Sun have reported that the Yorkshire club are interested in Renaud Emond’s services.
This game against Arsenal couldn’t have come at a better time, Leeds fans could get a real gauge of what type of player they’d be getting as he played against top-level opposition.
Emond started against the Gunners, but his evening simply didn’t go to plan as he was subbed off at half-time after a truly poor first-half performance.
He had a WhoScored rating of just 6.07, and he had as few as 16 touches while failing to get a shot on target.
Now, this leaves Leeds in a bit of an awkward predicament, do they write him off, or do they excuse this performance due to the fact it was against an English giant such as Arsenal?
Perhaps Leeds’ best course of action is to wait a few more weeks to make a decision on that one.
The FA Cup third round draw has pitted United against Arsenal, and that fixture is due to take place in January. That game will give Leeds a bit of an inkling as to whether or not Emond’s poor performance against the Gunners was down to the talent the Gunners possess or his own personal qualities.
If Leeds find it easy to create chances against the London club they won’t be able to find an excuse for Emond’s poor showing, but if Patrick Bamford is left just as isolated as the Belgian was on Thursday, then it may be worthwhile to revisit the prospect of signing the attacker.
It’s clear that a bit more scouting might be needed before this deal goes through.
In other news, Leeds could kill two birds with one stone after Phil Hay’s transfer update.