The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 2nd January) - Leeds earn hard fought draw at Anfield
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Good Morning. It's Friday 2nd January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds earn hard fought draw at Anfield
Leeds United claimed a vital point at Anfield on New Years Day, holding Liverpool to a 0-0 draw, and extending their unbeaten run to six games. Despite the hosts dominating possession, they never threatened much, and Daniel Farke’s side looked comfortable throughout. Remarkably, this was the first goalless draw under Arne Slot's tenure; his 84th time in charge of the Reds.
James Justin (for Jayden Bogle) and Sebastiaan Bornauw (for the injured Rodon) were drafted into the Leeds defence for what many believed would be a baptism of fire, but the pair were faultless, rarely putting a foot wrong. With Lucas Nmecha fit again, Farke rested Dominic Calvert-Lewin, confining his leading scorer to the bench, to come on as an impact sub. Ilia Gruev received a rare start too, in a five man midfield, (if you take the wing-backs into consideration).
Leeds shot stopper Lucas Perri barely had to dive or deflect a shot. Instead, Leeds soaked up pressure well, showing the same defensive solidity that’s kept them unbeaten since November 29. Even when the home crowd roared for a penalty after Ekitike eventually went down under a clumsy tackle by Jaka Bijol , VAR for once came to Leeds rescue. Offensively, the Whites weren’t overly adventurous, but they showed a dangerous edge on the break.
Calvert-Lewin came on in the 62nd minute and nearly stole all three points when he cleverly turned inside the box and slotted past Alisson in the 81st, but the lineman’s flag cut short what would have been a dramatic late winner. That near miss didn’t spoil the evening for Leeds fans, though. Several months ago, If you told Leeds fans that come January they would be seven points clear of the drop zone, they would not have believed you.
Were Liverpool under par? Yes. There are indigenous tribes, as yet undiscovered by western civilisation, living in the Amazon Rainforest who would have provided better attacking prowess than the reigning Champions. But let's not take anything from the Leeds display. Farke went to Anfield to get a point, and his plan was executed perfectly. Furthermore, to claw his way out of trouble, when his position looked untenable just seven weeks ago deserves kudos. The gaffer is now getting the most out of his players; something I never thought I'd say. Long may it continue.
Ampadu suspension dampens battling Liverpool draw
Daniel Farke refused to let any euphoria creep in after a battling 0-0 draw with reigning champions Liverpool on Thursday evening. Ever pragmatic, the Leeds gaffer was already looking ahead to Sunday’s showdown with Manchester United, pointing out that in a packed schedule of four fixtures, this Elland Road blockbuster is by far the most important. With prospects of fresh legs looming, Farke explained how he had deliberately rotated against Liverpool, resting key figures like Calvert-Lewin, Bogle and Noah Okafor, so they would be primed to fire when the Red Devils arrive.
Yet there was one glaring disappointment at Anfield. Ethan Ampadu’s fifth yellow card of the season will see the captain sit out Sunday's fixture, a blow that Farke admitted “leaves a bitter aftertaste.” Ampadu has been the heartbeat of this bright run; his calm direction and leadership qualities will now be sorely missed. Alongside Ampadu, fellow Welshman (and instrumental figure) Joel Rodon misses out with ankle ligament issues; as will Messrs Longstaff and James.
In his post match press conference, Farke didn’t shy away from his grievance about the fixture list. Manchester United arrive with a 48-hour head-start on recovery, thanks to their midweek fixture kicking 48 hours earlier than Leeds. “We have to accept this imbalance,” he said, acknowledging key absences from yellow-card suspensions, injuries and the demands of two recent away trips. “But we have Elland Road, and we know that when this place is rocking, even under these circumstances, we’ve got a chance.” His message to the squad was clear: channel the momentum, preserve fitness and “recover smart and quick.”
Bornauw and Ilia Gruev were substituted at Anfield with cramp. Their availability for Sunday remains in the balance, a reminder that squad depth is vital when the calendar is so relentless. Central defender Jaka Bijol, who is flourishing as the central pivot in the back five summed up the mood in the Leeds camp. “You feel the significance already in the locker room, in our talk right after the game,” he told reporters. “A full Elland Road will be electric. We want to bring that energy and perform, 100 percent, not just in derbies but every single game.”
Picking up a point at Anfield was a commendable achievement. Now, Leeds have their sights against the red side of Manchester. If Daniel Farke can orchestrate a win against Ruben Amorim's side, his street credibility in West Yorkshire will reach epic proportions.