Leeds United: Sky Sports pundit drops ‘vulnerable’ verdict after what he saw v Watford
Nigel Pearson feels Leeds United looked “vulnerable” when faced with players “running at pace” in their 2-2 draw with Watford.
Leeds conceded twice in the first half at Vicarage Road, with Vakoun Bayo and Emmanuel Dennis taking advantage of passages of play in which the Whites were stretched to put the Hornets ahead.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, in quotes reported by Leeds Live, Pearson said: “The qualities of being able to continue to perform as well as you can under pressure become absolutely paramount. So, I mean today, I would have to say watching that game, Leeds have underperformed to a certain extent.
“They looked vulnerable when players are running at pace. The goals that have been scored have been great goals to watch, but from a defensive point of view, both sides struggled.
“It leads onto what will be a fascinating end to the season and I think there’s lots of teams still in the Championship that have got plenty to play for.”
Leeds United lacked control at Watford
Leeds’ best performances this season have come when they have dominated possession and territory, hardly giving their opponents a sniff.
However, a defensive reshuffle prompted by Ethan Ampadu’s move into midfield in place of the injured Ilia Gruev saw Liam Cooper start alongside Joe Rodon – a change which loosened the Whites’ grip on the game.
Cooper’s eventual substitution – with the scores at 2-1 – and Ampadu’s return to the defensive line coincided with Leeds’ most dominant spell of the game, which ultimately resulted in Mateo Joseph’s late equaliser.
Under head coach Daniel Farke, the Whites play a high line and in games where their press is disjointed or their possession is loose, they can find themselves exposed to quick counter-attacks.
The former Norwich City boss will be keen to shore up any vulnerability as his side look to secure an automatic promotion place – or even win the Championship title.
In other Leeds United news, one player earned praise for a spectacular moment against Watford.
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