Leeds United have made a solid start to life in the Premier League, with eight points from their opening six league games. However, the dropped points against Bournemouth at the weekend are still stinging the Yorkshire giants.
The Whites have defied expectations at the start of the season. With two wins and two draws in six games, Leeds are not looking like a side that will struggle to survive in the Premier League at the end of the campaign.
However, Leeds are still kicking themselves for not sealing the three points against Bournemouth, who struggled to cope with the home side’s physicality at Elland Road on Saturday.
The Cherries escaped with a point through a late goal in injury time, and Leeds defender Joe Rodon conceded that he takes personal responsibility for conceding late through a set-piece.
‘I look at myself’ – Leeds United defender takes personal responsibility
Rodon scored against Bournemouth, but he was part of the Leeds defence that failed to defend that final set-piece in injury time.
The Leeds defender insisted that as a centre-back, he takes responsibility for what happened at the end of the game on Saturday, and conceded that he and his teammates could have done a lot to prevent that goal.
He insisted that if the Whites are in a similar position again, he would do better and not concede that late goal, which cost his side two points at home.
“As an individual and defender, I look at myself first”, Rodon told reporters.
“Could I have adjusted the line? Could we be higher from the free kick? And when we’re in possession, could we not give it away and be more clever and smart in the dying moments of the game?” he mused, candidly.
“If you put us in that position again, I’m sure we would adapt and do things differently, and it’s all about mentality. You’ve got to win the first ball and seal the game.”
Leeds look far more competitive than anyone expected them to be
The Whites could have had three more points on the board had they not conceded late goals against Fulham and Bournemouth in the first six games.
However, the most heartening thing for Leeds fans is that their side look far more competitive than any of the promoted sides of recent seasons.
They have looked solid and resilient against established Premier League sides, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola conceding that Leeds were a level above his team.
The numbers suggest that by the ten-game mark, Leeds should be in a position where survival would become a real possibility, given their early performances.
Daniel Farke will not be counting his chickens, but there are clear signs that Leeds may not be struggling to survive towards the end of the season.
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