PNE media deliver verdict on ‘tough night’ for Leeds loanee Sam Greenwood against former club Arsenal

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Leeds United loanee Sam Greenwood came up against his former club Arsenal in Carabao Cup action for Preston North End on Wednesday night.

Greenwood and his PNE teammates were comfortably beaten 3-0 at Deepdale by a strong Arsenal side, with Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri and Kai Havertz all getting on the scoresheet.

This is the second time in his senior career Greenwood has come up against the Gunners since leaving for Elland Road back in 2020, having also done so for Leeds in a 4-1 defeat three years ago.

However, with Greenwood now in his second loan spell away from Leeds, it would appear he has no long-term future at the club, even after his recent improvement.

Greenwood netted his fourth goal for PNE in Saturday’s incredible 3-3 draw at Plymouth Argyle, but it would appear Arsenal was a step too far for him.

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PNE media verdict on Greenwood vs Arsenal

Despite complaints over injuries and suspensions in recent weeks, Mikel Arteta opted to name a very strong Arsenal starting XI at Deepdale.

William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino were among those in the side, with their class shining through quite comfortably.

Greenwood has played all across the midfield since joining PNE but is still yet to find his best position, as he started up front against his old club.

With one of the best centre-backs in the world in Saliba directly up against him, it was always going to be a tough night for Greenwood.

And the Lancashire Evening Post have said exactly that in their post-match player ratings piece, suggesting he struggled against the calibre of opposition.

They wrote: “Sam Greenwood – 5.5 – Tough night up against some top quality defenders, as he carried out a forward role for the team. Delivered one quality free-kick on to Lindsay’s head.”

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Paul Heckingbottom verdict on Greenwood display

The lone striker role certainly isn’t one Greenwood is overly familiar with. Even in Leeds’ U21s, he always had someone like Joe Gelhardt buzzing around him.

Speaking to the Lancashire Evening Post, manager Paul Heckingbottom admitted Greenwood needed some alongside him really to bring out his best.

He said: “Emil is having to play 90 minutes after 90 minutes and it takes its toll. I have been really pleased with how he’s been performing and I want to keep those levels. It is just impossible, for anyone, to put out the physical numbers we are after, every three days.

“You just cannot do it, so we need to protect him. And, with him being the only nine if you like, we have got nobody back until after the international break. So, we need him. I know Sam played there tonight; I like him up there with another body.”