Leeds United at Sheffield United: Three Talking Points from the 2–1 loss
The Whites came unstuck as PH’s tenure began in a similar fashion to how TC’s ended.
After the appointment of Paul Heckingbottom, my feeling towards Saturday’s game changed and I became rather confident. I think, like a lot of fans, I had assumed that the fundamental issues within the team stemmed from the tactical approach (or lack of) by Thomas Christiansen.
However, the result on Saturday made me realise even more so that the issues have become more entrenched in the team, and the appointment of anybody will not see a quick change around in our fortune.
Here are our three talking points from the game…
1) Lack of ability to dominate is a concern
The most concerning expect of the performance on Saturday was the team’s inability to take control in any expect of the game. The players lacked any real intent, Heckingbottom has used the words ‘controlled aggression’ when speaking about how he wants the team to play. However, that was exactly what was missing especially throughout the first half.
I often emphasise the importance of winning the battle in midfield and how that ultimately can dictate results in the Championship. We did not win that battle and allowed Sheffield United the control and impetus in the game.
The first half was full of rigid movement with and without the ball and this meant the team often looked unsure and nervous.
We did see an improvement in the 2nd half, the introduction of Hernandez saw the Whites utilise the ball more, but once again we lacked the intent to push on and take the points.
The big test now for Heckingbottom is to implement that ‘aggression’ into the players before we slip further in the table.
2) Some positive displays
For all that the team did lack on Saturday, we did see some players show their quality.
Interestingly, the players brought in during the window have impressed me and did again on Saturday.
De Bock looks like he is settling into English football. I felt he added good width on Saturday and looks like he will be an asset going forward.
Adam Forshaw once again was our best midfielder. For all we lacked in the central area, his ability to pick keep the ball and find a pass further strengthens my feelings that Heckingbottom needs to ensure Forshaw becomes the focal point in the middle of the park for the rest of the season and into next season.
Others included — Matthew Pennington who played very well and was decent in the air throughout the game and was effective defensively and Pablo Hernández who’s introduction changed the teams approach in the game. I was surprised not to see him included from the start, players like Hernandez and Saiz are the creative catalysts in games and hopefully we will see Pablo Hernández included next week.
3) Look at the game in context
Like I mentioned in the introduction, the changes will not happen over night, and I still believe we have the quality within the team to achieve a top six finish. 45 points are still available and can balance the positive individual displays and the tactical side of the game, Leeds will do well in the league.
For how much Heckingbottom would have seen of Leeds prior to his appointment, actually being at ground level and watching the team on the pitch he would of learnt a lot more. I think we will see a stronger display next Sunday and more of what we are to expect for Paul Heckingbottoms Leeds United. MOT
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