Yesterday’s draw for Leeds United against Liverpool was an example of how to show grit, fight and nerve – along with a bit of finesse that almost won all three points – when taking on the Premier League’s big boys on the road.
Leeds are now unbeaten in six and are seven points above the relegation zone, having earned their first clean sheet since August. The Whites are consistently looking like a proper Premier League team who can take on anyone and potentially get points.
Manchester United at home on Sunday looks like a very winnable game, with fans travelling to Elland Road with a hint of expectation and loads of hope. We are seeing why character is such an important asset for Daniel Farke and the recruitment chiefs when it comes to transfers.
Bornauw and Justin excel
On the subject of signings, Farke changed the right side of his defence with James Justin and Sebastiaan Bornauw coming in, the latter for his full Premier League debut. Both did superbly.
Justin hardly put a foot wrong, cutting out balls, winning his duels and getting his head on some dangerous crosses.
Last night, he showed he is not merely a backup but perhaps someone who could challenge Jayden Bogle – albeit perhaps not usurp him just yet. But he’s some asset to have as a newly-promoted club.
Bornauw also did nobly in what was a baptism of fire. He looked calm and composed on the ball, and, barring a hashed clearance in the first half, he dealt with most things thrown at him. He almost got an assist but for Dominic Calvert-Lewin being flagged for offside.
The Belgian went down with cramp towards the end and had to be taken off, but Farke hopes both he and Ilia Gruev, who also went off for the same reason, will be fine for Sunday.
Ampadu out
A player who will miss Sunday’s game is captain Ethan Ampadu. The Whites captain picked up a fifth yellow card inside 19 Premier League matches in last night’s game, which was in fact the 19th league match for Leeds
The yellow card – given for handball – looked very soft, and Farke was very frustrated with referee Chris Kavanagh. “I have to calm myself down, because I’m still struggling to accept this yellow card,” said Farke.
“Ethan is our key player. We will miss him a lot in the upcoming fixture, but we have to find the solution for this as well.”
He will be hoping Gruev’s issue is just cramp and that he is fine for Sunday, with Sean Longstaff still out, leaving just three senior midfielders available. As a sidebar – who will take the long throws now?
