Leeds United gave a good account of themselves against Manchester City, despite falling victim to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Elland Road.
The Whites pushed the visitors to their limits and, on another day, could have nicked a point if Dominic Calvert-Lewin was able to convert one of the few chances he had in the first half.
Despite the positive performance, there may be reasons for Leeds fans to be concerned in the aftermath, with Joe Rodon potentially being ruled out of Leeds’ clash with Sunderland with a hamstring injury.
A former Leeds United player also had his say on the game with Man City, with the Elland Road hero making a bold claim regarding Daniel Farke’s side.
Stuart Dallas makes bold Leeds United claim
Whilst on punditry duties for Sky Sports, Dallas was asked about whether he feels as though United are safe in their battle against relegation.
Despite being six points clear of the drop zone with 10 games left, Dallas claimed the job is far from finished before making a sensational claim regarding the Whites.
“I don’t think it’s ever comfortable until you hit that magic 40-point mark, as they talk about. I do think there’s more to come from this Leeds team. I think if they do happen to achieve that points mark that keeps them safe, I think they’ll possibly take the handbrake off a little bit, there’s still more in them.
“I think at times, they’re almost happy just to have a point, which is fine, you’re surviving and every point counts, which is great. I think when they have opened up at times, they have been able to hurt teams, and I just think there’s that little bit of anxiety around the club at the minute that they need to be a Premier League team next year.”
Dallas continued: “If they can keep continuing to get towards that points target before the end of the season, I think we could see them begin to play more freely and really kick on.”
Particularly with his team selections away from home, it has been evident that Farke is content to just take a point at times, with a prime example being his team selection against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge when the German manager chose to deploy Jayden Bogle on the wing.
Data suggests Leeds already open up during games
It may not be the prettiest at times, but draws have been a pivotal reason as to why Leeds find themselves sat in 15th in the table.
Dallas’ enthusiasm for Leeds to open up is understandable, given the fact that Leeds have caused issues for pretty much every side they have faced so far this season; however, Farke has found a formula that works, and the German should not stray away from it.
Ultimately, Leeds need to consolidate their position in the top flight for multiple seasons before they have to think about tweaking their style of play to become more attacking.
However, the data suggests that despite Leeds lining up in a five at the back formation, they are still capable of creating chances, even away from home.
- Against Villa in their most recent away game, Leeds created an xG of 1.35
- At Stamford Bridge, they had an xG of 1.44
- In their trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton, the Whites had an xG of 1.38 (Sofascore)
If Leeds continue to create opportunities like this away from home, Farke will likely see no reason to tweak the style that has suited his team so well this season.
