Manchester City comparison made as Leeds United hailed for QPR win
Leeds United deserve credit for not becoming like Manchester City as they recovered this weekend to beat Queens Park Rangers, says Graham Smyth.
The Yorkshire Evening Post chief said on Sunday [10 November] that in an underwhelming display in terms of entertainment at Elland Road, the club can be applauded for their recovery from Wednesday night’s defeat at Millwall [6 November].
Jayden Bogle capped a much-improved individual display with the crucial opener in West Yorkshire before Joel Piroe wrapped up the points late on, as Leeds close in on Sunderland at the top of the Championship.
“What maybe did impress, is that the Whites did not let one defeat become two,” Smyth highlighted.
“Coming back home to put the burden of expectation back on weary shoulders after that 1-0 loss at Millwall, Leeds avoided a fate they suffered only twice last season.
“As Manchester City are currently showing with that four-game streak, losing is an easy habit to form even for the very best. One can become two, can become three.”
Leeds United prioritise points over glamour v QPR
Saturday’s performance at Elland Road is one possibly best described as “industrial” on Leeds United’s part.
Rock-bottom QPR have issues of their own which begin with their toothless attack – the visitors’ best chance to take a surprise point back to London was passed up by Slovenian striker Zan Celar, who still awaits his first goal for the club after 15 league appearances.
Leeds kept things ticking with the win and showed they can dig deep before relying on their quality. Daniel Farke knows the standard will need to be raised against anyone with a remote threat, which is where they came unstuck at Millwall in the week.
Man City have shown this season a disastrous rut can affect any club in the world, so the victory was not only vital in closing the gap at the summit, but also in eliminating any negativity around Thorp Arch during and after next week’s internationals.
Swansea City, Luton Town and Blackburn Rovers all stand between Farke’s men and December – and with a dominant enough performance across those six days at the end of this month, nine points is perfectly achievable.
In other Leeds news, the club’s stance is shared on how Manor Solomon has performed while on loan.
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