A first clean sheet in two months as Leeds United subjected the fans to a dull 0-0 draw at the freezing cold Majeski was quickly forgotten as Liam Gallagher and Surge Pizzorno drew Leeds another timely reminder of Premier League life with a trip to the Emirates in the FA Cup third round.

Not only does the clash offer us another reminder of the division we’re so desperately trying to return to, but it’s also another reminder of how long it’s been since we last played there. Our last game against Arsenal was at their former home Highbury in April 2004, when a quickly fading Leeds United were thrashed 5-0 by the Gunners. A certain Frenchman named Thierry Henry – who has now cashed in with a move to the MLS – almost single-handedly destroyed us that day with four goals.

This time last year of course, we landed another dream draw with a trip to the old rivals in Manchester. That particular encounter ended with a 1-0 win to the Whites as our then third tier heroes humiliated Alex Ferguson’s men.

Whilst the draw undoubtedly draws similarities to that inspired victory at the start of this year, I won’t be expecting a similar result against Arsene Wenger’s side. The best we can hope for is that Leeds United go out and assert themselves physically on the rather light-weight Arsenal side that are much more comfortable playing pretty football. This is an Arsenal side clearly missing Patrick Viera’s influence; a player who could single handedly scrap it out with other teams when they insisted on playing tough – without that kind of figure, Arsenal always appear vulnerable against more physical sides.

If we can limit their time on the ball, then you never know – maybe we can cause another shock? But a more realistic outcome would be similar to the humiliation they dealt us last time we met.

Whatever happens, the draw is a win-win for Leeds United. Clearly there’s the monetary aspect which will be keeping a smile on Old Ken’s face for the next month or so, but the tie also offers an ideal measure of where we are in terms of building for a Premier League return. A total annihilation at the Emirates would tell us Simon Grayson has a lot of work to do before we’re ready to compete in the Premier League once more, whilst another surprise shock would suggest we’re not as far away as some might think.