Michael Dawson highlights ‘exceptional’ Leeds duo as game-changers vs Nottingham Forest
Leeds United secured a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest
Leeds took a huge step closer to survival on Friday night, with a strangely comfortable 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Jayden Bogle opened the scoring after he latched onto a through ball from Ilia Gruev, just minutes before Noah Okafor dispatched from close range to give the Whites a 2-0 lead at the break.
And having done so, Michael Dawson picked out two players in particular who spurred the Whites to victory at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s change has brought out the best of Leeds duo
Daniel Farke looked set for the sack at Leeds until he decided to change to a back five, which has brought them plenty of success, and for several reasons.
Not only has the change improved Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s output in front of goal, but it has also given the two wing-backs freedom to roam down the channels, and to good effect.
That was again the case against Forest, with Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson showing their quality at both ends of the pitch.
When analysing Leeds’ opening goal live on Sky Sports, Dawson highlighted the impact that the duo had against Sean Dyche’s side, and as demonstrated by their below Sofascore graphic, the praise was more than warranted.
He said: “Leeds have been outstanding, both wing-backs exceptional, causing Nottingham Forest’s full-backs all kinds of problems.
“This is Bogle here, seen him making runs into positions that probably you wouldn’t expect, but if we went back a long way, he runs a long way from here.”
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Leeds win vs Forest also exposed an uncomfortable truth
Ao Tanaka has been a bit-part player this season, much to the disbelief of many supporters at Elland Road who were well aware of the quality he has to offer.
Farke has picked Gruev over the Japanese international on a consistent basis, and more often than not, that decision has been warranted.
And after the Bulgarian’s display against Forest, it was justified further.
Gruev was not only defensively capable in the middle of the park, but having registered two assists, he showcased that he has the quality to make a difference in the final third.
It’s his place to lose in the starting 11 now, and if he can maintain that level of performance, it will take something special to dethrone him from that.