Leeds United lost 1-0 to Burnley at Elland Road this past weekend was a crushing one, considering the Clarets are a promotional rival.
Before the international break, the Whites were on a strong run, remaining unbeaten in their first four matches with two wins and two draws. With both Burnley and Leeds eager to secure automatic promotion, this game was vital for both teams.
In a tight contest, Burnley’s only goal came in the 18th minute when Luca Koleosho scored. They held onto that lead for the rest of the match. Now, will Leeds bounce back because not securing three points against promotion rivals could affect morale in the dressing room?
Martin Keown reveals what Leeds must improve to earn promotion
Leeds will head to Cardiff City next weekend, hoping to bounce back from their disappointing performance against Burnley on Saturday. A win away from home will be vital since they’re currently outside the top six.
The Whites are expected to be the favorites for this match, especially given that Cardiff City’s dressing room atmosphere has reportedly soured over the last five Championship games.
As a result, a matchup against Cardiff City is a perfect opponent and opportunity to improve what talkSPORT pundit Martin Keown wants Leeds to do: start securing wins away from Elland Road.
“I am just thinking back to my career when I was at Villa. We got relegated. We could hardly win a game at home. Villa Park, fantastic venue, everyone rocks up,” Keown told TalkSPORT when discussing Leeds (h/t LeedsUnited.News).
“It’s like a Wembley situation, everyone saves their best performance away. We were magnificent, won 13 away games. That’s what Leeds have got to do, win away from home and find a way to win at home.”
The loss against Burnley showed that any club can come in and secure a win at Elland Road. If Leeds will have trouble winning matches at home and scoring goals, which wasn’t the case last season, they need to offset it by winning more contests on the road this campaign.
Road wins could determine whether Leeds secure automatic promotion or have to go once again through the play-off.
