Manager: Leeds showed ´good qualities´

Manager Simon Grayson was proud of the fight in his side after Leeds United went down to Arsenal 3-1 in their FA Cup clash on Wednesday.

Grayson added that he felt Gunners boss Arsene Wenger’s decision to bring on stars Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie in the latter stages was the ultimate compliment to his players and the threat they provided to the Arsenal defence in their third-round replay at Elland Road.

“We showed some good qualities and if you are going to get knocked out of the FA Cup you might as well have it done by one of the best teams in Europe, if not the world,” Grayson told Sky Sports.

“I thought it was credit to us that at 2-1 Arsenal had to bring on Fabregas and van Persie. ”

Grayson said his side was capable of maintaining its lofty position on the Championship table, with United fifth and targeting a return to the English Premier League next season,

He credited their near-upset at the Emirates in the third-round proper – with Arsenal needing a late penalty to salvage a draw – as invaluable experience.

“Hopefully the ambition of the players can be fulfilled here – we are not a selling club and don’t need to sell anybody,” he said.

“This has whetted the appetite for players to face these sorts of teams on a weekly basis and I believe we have come out of the two games with a lot of credit.”

Wenger said he would like to see United return to the top flight.

“I was impressed by the way they (Leeds) were organised and their spirit and physical qualities. I think they have a good chance to be in the play-off – we miss Leeds in the Premier League,” Wenger said.

The French boss admitted his side was thinking about the prospect of a fourth-round clash with League One side Huddersfield Town in the next round.

“The team goes from strength to strength and we have shown again tonight we are hungry. This gives us a good opportunity to play at home against Huddersfield – of course we will be favourite and I think we had that in mind tonight,” Wenger said.