Hull 0 v Leeds 1 – Three Takeaways

Match Summary:

Leeds returned to the top of the league with a deserved one nil win at Hull. Hull’s basic plan was to park a jumbo jet in front of the goal and play for a draw. Leeds dominated possession from start to finish however it was the lack of ruthlessness in front of goal which will concern Marcelo Bielsa. For the third game running Leeds should have scored at least two or three goals. The poor finishing meant that the Hull could have scraped a very unjust draw when in fact the game should have been over by halftime. Tyler Roberts was the hero with a long-range shot which sneaked into the net at the left-hand post. Leeds were more than owed that bit of luck considering their recent their excellent performances of late. We move on to Brentford at Elland Road on Saturday.

Grinding Out The Win:

Unlike the last two games, Leeds got the win that they thoroughly deserved. Of the few Hull fans who decided to show up on Tuesday night, not one home supporter could ever argue that Leeds were not justified winners. Leeds were dominant throughout and were excellent in patches. Leeds controlled the ball and had an impressive 67% possession. The Leeds game plan forced Hull to defend for most of the game, and it was only from a Leeds error or a set piece where a Hull could likely to score. Some of Leeds passing was sublime to watch while they were also very sloppy at times in the first half. The change of formation to the 3-3-1-3 system pushed Hull deeper and lead to the Tyler Roberts goal. Leeds should have had the result sewn up in the first half. What impressed me the most was that they never let Hull seriously threaten an equaliser in the final 40 minutes of the game.

Argentine Coaching Masterclass:

Marcelo Bielsa and his staff outclassed their opposite numbers yet again this season. Nigel Adkins was full of praise for the Leeds style and for the amazing impact of his South American counterpart. I think he is starting to dawn on the rest of the league just how much revered Marcelo Bielsa is across the world. The man is a total genius, and there is no denying that. Every Leeds fan must also commend Andrea Radrizzani and Viktor Orta for meeting the majority of Bielsa’s wishlist and keeping him happy. The belief and the massive level of improvement his philosophy has instilled in the Leeds squad is remarkable. Bielsa is operating on a superior level to all other managers in the Championship.

Ruthless:

The one criticism of the Leeds team in the past few games has been their lack of a ruthless edge in front of goal. The first half against Hull should have seen Leeds score at least two goals. The loss of Pablo Herandez, Patrick Bamford and Kemar Roofe has been the significant reason why Leeds have failed to capitalise on their numerous goal-scoring chances of late. Tyler Roberts performed and is getting better with every game. For a young man of 19,  his future looks very bright. Leeds had a total of 11 shots on goal but only one on target. It seems as though none of the injured players will return for the Brentford game on Saturday. Brentford’s approach is to play decent attacking football, so it is prudent to assume that it will be an open game. An open attacking match will suit Leeds, and they should enter the international break as the league leaders. My mantra of Leeds keeping clean sheets will be crucial against the Bees. If Leeds can keep Brentford scoreless, I expect them to win.