The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 1st March) Early goal sinks Leeds
Good Morning. Its Monday 1st March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Early goal sinks Leeds
Aston Villa picked up their first away win against Leeds since December 2000 on Saturday, ending a run of six without victory at Elland Road.
With Leeds midfield decimated, Bielsa partnered Roberts and an injured Klich in the middle of the park. Costa was given a chance to impress the gaffer following recent notable performances whilst Raphinha occupied the right wing. Struijk was sent on midfield defensive duties.
Anwar El Ghazi, a player well known by Marcelo Bielsa from their time at Lille got the decisive strike after just 5 minutes. Ollie Watkins whipped cross found the Dutch International in space having lost his marker (Costa). Although his first touch was terrible, he recovered and fired the ball between Meslier's legs to score the only goal of the game.
Even though Leeds dominated the game with almost 70 percent possession, they were unable to find the finishing touch.
Rodrigo, Phillips, Shackleton, Forshaw and Poveda were all missing from the Leeds Utd midfield, yet the commentator was oblivious, obsessed in the fact that Dean Smith was without Grealish as mentioned on over fifteen times over the game.
Why hasn't Klich been dropped
We can cut Klich a bit of slack for his recent performances over the last couple of weeks. The 30yo Polish International has been suffering with a hip injury since the Arsenal fixture.
However, his displays over recent months have been way under par, yet his name appears on the starting team sheet, week in, week out!
Why hasn't Bielsa dropped him? How does this affect the rest of the squad wanting an opportunity to impress the Manager?
Surely, if a player is not performing, you drop him to give a chance to someone else. Sometimes its the fairest thing to do. It gives the player time to regroup, find his confidence, and recharge his batteries!
Set pieces costing Leeds
The Whites have shipped 19 goals from set-pieces so far this season, more than any other team in the top flight. Whilst Leeds offensive play will keep them in the top flight this term, you can't help but worry that since Bielsa's arrival at Elland Road almost three years ago set pieces have always been a major contributor to leaking goals.
The Argentine has worked miracles since taking the reigns in 2018, but whilst we obviously recognise his many strengths, we don't seem to identify and reinforce his weaknesses.
