Leeds United vs. Brentford FC: Three Talking Points from the 1–0 win
The Whites dig in and take all three points in a workman-esque performance.
Prior to the weekend, I was nervous because, depending how the results played out, Leeds could have been out of the playoff race. However, we saw the Whites put in a display that we have not seen this season. Heckingbottom’s lads showed the ability to grind out a much needed victory.
Here are the talking points from the game…
Alioski playing better
Ezgjan Alioski has the talent to be a real threat to every team in the Championship, but for much of the season he has struggled with confidence, and this has made him ineffective. However, in the last few games and, especially against Brentford, he has reverted to the player we all were excited about in August.
Alioski was able to be a threat going forward, but what I found the most pleasing was his work in defence. Leeds will need to start playing with a balance and a team ethos that we have not seen this season, and if Alioski can continue to adapt his game to suit that ethos then Leeds can once again progress this season towards the top six.
Defence improved
The biggest change we saw in the Brentford game was the solid display from the defence. I mentioned after the draw against Derby the need for a stronger display from the backline, and that’s exactly what we saw on Saturday.
The whole defence were able to shut down anything that Brentford tried to create without making it look difficult. We have seen the gradual increase in the steel that Heckingbottom has instilled throughout the team, and it’s a very positive step forward.
Heck’s first win the catalyst for success
Leeds’ landscape changed over the weekend. With the first win for Heckingbottom and defeats for teams further up the table, everything is starting to look more positive.
The way the team played would have left Heckingbottom and the team looking toward the Boro game with confidence. I am not going to say the playoffs will happen, or that we’ll even come close, but I am much more confident than I was on Friday evening.
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