Leeds United conceded a gut-wrenching late equaliser courtesy of Tammy Abraham that prevented Daniel Farke’s side from picking up all three points against Aston Villa.
Anton Stach’s incredible free-kick put United a goal up, however it was a lead that they were unable to cling on to as the Whites conceded another late goal away from home this season.
Wayne Rooney was among those who were impressed with Leeds’ efforts during the game, as they were able to frustrate a Villa side who sit 3rd in the Premier League for large portions of the clash.
But one former Leeds United player saw things slightly differently, with the Elland Road hero being more disappointed with the way the game ended.
Michael Bridges claims Aston Villa’s equaliser should have been ‘dealt with’
Although Leeds did drop points from a winning position, ultimately they were not made to pay, as West Ham themselves also drew at home against Bournemouth, ensuring the gap between the Whites and the bottom three remains six points.
When giving his honest verdict on the game, former Leeds striker Bridges had this to say on Matchday Live on Leeds United’s YouTube channel.
“I’m sitting here, feeling like it is a loss, absolutely devastated. To think we’ve gone to Villa Park, you’re getting the 1-1 draw, before the game we all would have taken a point,” Bridges said.
“Seeing the performance, the way the lads were together, the opportunities, yes, I know Karl Darlow made some big saves, but the actual goal where Villa got the equaliser, it’s just messy and can be dealt with and should have been dealt with, and it feels like a loss. But we’ve got to take the positives, it’s another point, on the road, against a team that is fighting for Champions League football.”
Ultimately, Bridges’ opinion will be one shared by a lot of supporters, who would have been disappointed to concede so late on, but will have happily bitten your hand off for a point beforehand.
Data suggests a draw was a fair result against Aston Villa
Farke’s men more than held their own during the trip to Villa Park, with the data ultimately suggesting that a draw was a fair result.
- Aston Villa ended the game with an xG of 1.46 compared to Leeds United’s 1.35
- Leeds had two big chances in the game compared to just one for Aston Villa
- The hosts edged it when it came to shots, having 16 compared to Leeds’ 14 (Sofascore)
With United facing Manchester City in their next outing, Farke will have known that getting any sort of result from either the Villa or City game would be a huge bonus for their survival prospects.
By no means is the game against Manchester City now a free hit, but the pressure on that game has just been reduced even further following the Whites’ positive result at Villa Park.
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