Jesse Marsch substitutions choice not good enough – Three things learned in Leeds United v Crystal Palace
Eberechi Eze’s 76th-minute strike saw Leeds United fall to a 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park as Jesse Marsch’s search for an away win goes on.
Leeds are now without a win for five Premier League matches and sit just four points above the relegation zone in 14th place.
Here MOT Leeds News looks at three things to take away from Leeds’ disappointing defeat to Patrick Viera’s side in South London.
American magic
Let’s start with the one big positive from the match for Leeds and it won’t come as a surprise to many Whites fans. Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams’ continued to impress. The duo were integral to a lot of the good things that Leeds did, particularly in the first period.
Aaronson lived up to his “Medford Messi” nickname with a wonderful run in the lead-up to Leeds’ first goal. However, he also showed his ability to link play with some brilliant one-touch play with his back to goal. This allowed Leeds to play fast and direct balls into his feet in order to play off of.
Adams and Aaronson’s energy in the first half was also key to pinning Palace in their own half and was a large part of their success. Ensuring both players remain fit and firing this season is a must for Marsch.
Plan B?
In the first half, Leeds stifled Palace and prevented them from getting out of their own half and limited them to very few chances. This is down to their intense press and energy. However, it’s evidently clear that if the Whites don’t head in with a halftime lead then it is always going to be a struggle in the second period.
The players expended so much energy during their first-half display and weren’t able to press to the levels that they would’ve liked in the second period. The Whites weren’t pressing with the same vigour and Palace were able to exploit the gaps between the midfield and the defence with ease.
When energy levels do drop, it’s essential that Marsch comes up with a more conservative way of approaching the latter stages of a game, to ensure they aren’t carved open like they were for Eze’s winner.
Subs to late
Marsch introduced Crysencio Summerville for Patrick Bamford in the 62nd minute but then waited until the 84th minute to add another forward to the proceedings in Joe Gelhardt. In a high-intensity pressing system, the American must make more changes earlier and utilise the five substitutions.
He made four subs with one being a defender and another being a midfielder. Gelhardt should have come on with Summerville, potentially along with Willy Gnonto for the likes of Rodrigo, who were clearly tiring towards the end.
These attacking players can’t be expected to press with the same energy for 90-minutes and it’s something Marsch has to consider going forward.
In other Leeds United news, an unexpected exit could be on the cards at Leeds after what happened in the Premier League on Friday.