The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 10th March) Leeds grip at the top loosens
Good Morning. It's Monday 10th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds grip at the top loosens
Leeds United’s grip on the Championship summit loosened at the weekend as they suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Portsmouth. Colby Bishop’s 61st-minute strike, capitalising on a mix-up between Rodon and Meslier, proved to be the decisive moment at Fratton Park. This loss, only Leeds’ fourth of the season and their first since November, sees their lead at the top of the table slashed to goal difference.
While defeat is always a bitter pill to swallow, for Leeds, it perhaps felt like a setback that had been brewing. Recent weeks have seen them clinging on to victories, often by the skin of their teeth. A last-gasp winner against Sunderland, a hard-fought comeback against Sheffield United, and riding their luck against the Baggies – these performances hinted at a team perhaps not firing on all cylinders. In truth, the Whites have been navigating games with a degree of fortune lately, and a defeat was arguably overdue.
Portsmouth’s game plan, while perhaps not aesthetically pleasing to the neutral, was undeniably effective. Their direct, long-ball approach may have been as monotonous as the droning from the home terraces, but it disrupted Leeds' usual rhythm. The Whites, committed to building play from the back, frequently found themselves frustrated. Meslier’s short pass often meant a long build-up, and a lot of time wasted.
Leeds lacked the cutting edge, that spark of creativity, to carve open opportunities. Despite the tactical frustrations, Leeds did carve out opportunities. Junior Firpo’s header rattled the woodwork, while Piroe will rue missing two gilt-edged chances that on another day he might have buried.
Portsmouth’s goalkeeper, Nicolas Schmid, proved a formidable obstacle, producing a stunning double save in the first half to thwart Solomon and then Piroe in quick succession. Adding to the frustration for the travelling Leeds faithful, appeals for a penalty after Dan James appeared to be brought down in the box were waved away by the referee.
Ultimately, while Leeds could justifiably point to missed chances and an unfavourable penalty decision, they couldn’t escape the conclusion that they simply weren't at their best. On another day, perhaps the woodwork wouldn’t have intervened, or Piroe’s shots would have found the net. However, the reality is that Leeds were not good enough to win at Fratton Park, and a reset might be needed.
Farke pleads - Remain focused and stay calm
Leeds remain at the top of the Championship table, now level on points with second-placed Sheffield United, with third-placed Burnley just two points behind. After the game Daniel Farke called for calm. He emphasized the importance of consistency and resilience; qualities that will be crucial in the remainder of the season.
If you want to finish in the top positions in this league, you have to show consistency. The title is not won in February or March; it always goes to the wire. You have to prove yourselves every single game. We have some difficult matches coming up, and we don’t take anything for granted. I know we can be better and much more effective. It’s a long road and it’s tough. Overall, this season we have been impressive, and we just have to make sure we are a bit more effective in our upcoming games.
In terms of expected goals we were by far the better side. We had one-on-ones with the keeper, missed chances, hit the bar - you have to take your chances. "Sometimes you have a day when everything comes together, on others not. We have to accept it. It was not our day. We had enough chances to win the game.