Tom Lees is hoping Leeds United can use the defensive effort shown at Arsenal on Monday as a platform for increased solidness in the New Year.

The United rearguard was breached just once by the classy Gunners at the Emirates Stadium and Simon Grayson's side earned plenty of praise for a strong defensive performance at Arsenal.

United had conceded three goals in five games prior to the 4-1 New Year's Eve thrashing at Barnsley, but the young back four at Arsenal emerged with plenty of credit.

"It was a disciplined performance at Arsenal," said Tom. "You have to appreciate how strong they are and how difficult it can be to keep the ball sometimes.

"It was about keeping our shape and taking that back into the Championship fixtures. That should give us a solid base to work from.

"Teams don't keep the ball like that in our league and if we can take that the defensive side out of it, I think that's good for us.

"It's like a preparation in the defensive side and if we can take things forward we can be harder to beat. Burnley was a massive result for us before Crystal Palace, and now we'll look to get another good result there."

At the ripe old age of 21, Tom was the second senior man at the back, behind Darren O'Dea, with Aidy White clocking in at 20 and Zac Thompson only just turned 19.

"It was impressive how Zac did at right back," said Tom. "He was up against Arshavin at first then the likes of Henry and Walcott were pulling out wide, and I thought he did really well. It was the same with Aidy as well against Oxlade-Chamberlain."

While Monday was O'Dea's third appearance against Arsenal in less than 12 months, the Emirates trip was a whole new experience for the likes of Lees and co.

"It is a bit frightening I'm not going to lie," said "You realise the stature and the presence of players like Henry, but when you're out there, you're just a player on the pitch and you know you have as much right to be there as they do, and raise your game and stay with them."