MOT Super Fans: Tricky run coming up for Leeds but confidence should be high after loss v Fulham
This column is part of a regular series from our panel of Leeds United Super Fans. Each week, our Super Fans will deliver their verdicts on the biggest talking points and news stories around Elland Road and Thorp Arch
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All good things come to an end and that transpired against Fulham this weekend. The 2-1 loss at Craven Cottage ended the Whites’ 11-match unbeaten run.
Leeds lost despite having 65% possession and 15 shots (seven on target) with an xG of 1.61 (SofaScore). In contrast, Fulham mustered only three shots on target but scored two goals, meaning Leeds have conceded five goals from the last six shots on target faced in the Championship.
Reasons to be concerned? Perhaps, but Bielsa’s side remain eight points clear of third with some key festive games coming up. Preston at Elland Road on Boxing day, followed by a trip to Birmingham, and the key top of the table clash with West Brom on New Years Day.
They can go in to this tricky run still full of confidence despite the weekend’s set back; this was the first loss since October 5, and only their fourth of the season so far.
Not all doom and gloom; Patrick Bamford matched last season’s tally with his 10th goal of the season. However, the most interesting take from the game was Bielsa playing both him and Nketiah up front together. Maybe a sign of intent to keep the Arsenal man at the club with a much-rumored January recall looming closer?
The penalty against Ben White appeared soft to say the very least but Leeds got back in the game when their newly partnered front two linked up to score Leeds’ only goal of the match, Bamford slotting in from Nketiah’s rebounded shot.
Leeds were dealt an early blow against Fulham with their main creative force Pablo Hernandez going off injured in the game at Craven Cottage. Bielsa will be without the Spanish magician for at least a month now which could be detrimental going into the difficult run of games. However, Shackleton and Roberts returning from injury could prove very timely during this period in what has been a very light midfield area.
Hopefully Nketiah remains here or at least has a bigger part to play during what could be his last two games for the club. Leeds will be looking to put things right and increase the gap to third once again in the game against Preston. A late Christmas present… three points please lads!
Adam Elliott is a member of the MOT Super Fans panel and provides his post-match thoughts on Leeds after every game
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