Don Goodman predicts why Leeds United are suddenly struggling in the Championship
Dom Goodman has suggested that the international break may be behind why Leeds United performed poorly in the first half of their 0-0 draw with Sunderland at Elland Road on Tuesday night.
The opening 45 minutes for the Whites were poor as they failed to break down a resolute away side defence.
This saw Elland Road fall silent at various moments of the first half such was the lack of chances created in the first half.
A disappointing performance in the opening exchanges have become typical of Leeds in recent weeks. Speaking on Sky Sports (9 April, 09:05 pm), Goodman explained a potential reason behind this.
He said: “There’s lots of players underperforming.
“What we’re seeing is a reoccurring theme, basically, since the international break the first half for Leeds United, every game have not really been the Leeds United we knew before the international break.
“The good news for Leeds fans is that they normally rectify that at halftime and come out and do better in the second half.”
Did Leeds United improve in the second half v Sunderland?
There is no doubt that the first half was frustrating for Daniel Farke’s side up against a defensive-minded Sunderland side.
According to FotMob, the home side averaged 71% possession in the first half but still had as many shots as their opponents. This led to them creating just 0.02 xG more than the Black Cats.
As always Leeds kept the ball ticking and made 335 passes compared to Mike Dodds’ side with just 119. This domination of the ball wasn’t converted to chances which was the annoyance.
The second half began better for the home side as they created more chances in the opening 20 minutes of the half than the whole of the last one.
It is safe to say that the away side got away with one as Luke O’Nien clearly handled the ball in the area, adding to the frustration.
There was a lack of chances for Leeds throughout the game and the game fell away from them as they drew 0-0 in the end.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are reportedly in talks with a player’s camp over a possible summer transfer.
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