Leeds United stretched their unbeaten run to seven matches on Saturday, although they were held to a goalless draw at mid-table Bristol City.
It was a tightly contested game with few chances, but the result at Ashton Gate keeps Daniel Farke’s side within touching distance of Championship leaders Sunderland.
With changes to Farke’s back line for the first time in the league this season as Sam Byram replaced the suspended Junior Firpo, United earned another clean sheet against Bristol City, who were unbeaten in seven before the match.
Here The Athletic picks out the key talking points…
A familiar problem re-emerges
It was not Leeds’ finest offensive showing, with missed chances and a lack of fluidity between the creative players. There were moments where they threatened on the counter or with crosses from deep — notably twice as Dan James raced through on goal and a goal line clearance by Zak Vyner to deny Willy Gnonto — but were unable to find the precision to cut Bristol City open.
At times, Leeds were over-reliant on Gnonto producing a moment of brilliance, but while the visitors were wasteful, Bristol City were defensively solid. Their assistant head coach Chris Hogg discussed the fact that his side had changed their out-of-possession shape with Leeds in mind, which presents a familiar problem for Farke. Finding the best way to unlock opponents who set up in a mid-block has been a concern extending back to last season. When individual quality is missing, Leeds have struggled to find their a way through.
The absence of winger Largie Ramazani was sorely felt after his development in recent matches to become a key outlet for Leeds. Replacing his goal threat and ability to work inside from wide areas looks a tough ask despite James’ positive contributions on the counter. Ramazani will be missed as he recovers from ankle ligament damage over the next four to six weeks.
Seven-point week still proves Leeds can be title contenders
It is easy to split the three games since the international break in half to show both Leeds at their best, and Leeds when they are coasting. In the 2-0 win over Sheffield United and the first half of the 2-1 win over Watford, they were electric and proved their credentials as the best team in the division. By contrast, the second half against Watford and a flat showing against Bristol City were sub-par.
Leeds emerging from those games unbeaten and with only one goal conceded across the 270 minutes shows that they can afford to be less than perfect this season and still be title contenders. With the shadow of last season looming large, it is easy to feel like any points dropped is catastrophic for Farke’s side but the reality of the Championship this year is different. Leeds remain on course at the top of the table despite a stodgy start and moments where they have not been able to find another gear.
Farke characterised the game as “scruffy” but was pleased with the performance regardless, as his back line reaffirmed his belief that being the best defence in the league should be enough to win promotion.
“We did more than enough to win this difficult away game,” Farke said. “I have looked at the objective data and I can’t complain about anything. We had 70 per cent possession with 17 to four shots and ten times the amount of expected goals that they did. We did not allow them one proper chance and the feeling was that created more than enough to score more than one goal. We were wasteful in front of the opponent’s goal so statistics-wise it was a dominant game but I have the feeling we weren’t at our very best today and we were a bit slow to start but more or less improved after 20 minutes.”
Full-back selection conundrum for Plymouth
The draw in Bristol was the first time this season that Farke has altered his back line in the league, with Sam Byram replacing the suspended Junior Firpo. The left-back missed out after picking up his fifth yellow of the season against Watford, triggering a one-match ban, and Farke faces the same situation next week after Jayden Bogle also reached five bookings against Bristol City.
Byram was a solid deputy for Firpo given the threat of his direct opponent Yu Hirakawa, particularly in the first half, and had his moments going forward too. His deep cross for Jayden Bogle to head into the side netting was one of the better openings of the first half. As the game wore on and Leeds were camped in the opposition’s half, Byram continued to offer but lacked the incisive running of Firpo or Bogle.
Farke has faith the 31-year-old and so it seems likely he will get the nod ahead of summer signing Isaac Schmidt to cover for Bogle next week. Schmidt has only been used as a substitute since arriving from St Gallen in the summer and in each case, he has come on as a replacement winger. Given Farke likes his full-backs to offer plenty going forward, it feels like the best chance for Leeds to see what Schmidt is capable of as part of the back line. Bogle and Firpo’s absences feeling like losses speaks to their improvement as the season has gone on — both are certain to remain starters on current form.
What next for Leeds?
Leeds have a clear week to prepare for Plymouth Argyle, their next opponents, who they will face at Elland Road on Saturday November 2, kick-off 3pm GMT.
(Top photo: Robbie Stephenson/Getty Images)
