Phil Hay details Big Sam tactical approach at Leeds United after Manchester City and Newcastle games
Phil Hay claims that Sam Allardyce has been heavy on the basics at Leeds United for their games against Manchester City and Newcastle.
The Athletic journalist admits that he does not see this changing for the remaining two matches in the Premier League this season.
Leeds face West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur and desperately need a win to give them a fighting chance at avoiding the drop.
Hay wrote on 18 May, “Tactically, Allardyce has been very heavy on the basics, and there is no reason to think that will change in these remaining two matches.
“He has prioritised defending in numbers, lowered the risks taken in possession and enlisted Weston McKennie to rain booming long throws into the opposition penalty area, trying to maximise the value of set pieces and route-one attacks.
“Already, it is obvious that he is not about to die on the altar of impressive pass completion stats or high possession rates.”
Get the win
The “Sticking to the basics” narrative sounds well and good but does not mean much if Leeds cannot pick up wins to stay in the Premier League.
Big Sam was brought in because he had the reputation of being a relegation specialist and one point from two games is perhaps what was expected from him.
However, he’s got to conjure up a win from somewhere and maybe even get a point from the other game if Leeds are to stay up.
Right now, their fate is out of their hands and that’s why failure to win against Newcastle will hurt a lot more, given the chances.
Had Patrick Bamford scored his penalty, the air around Elland Road would’ve been different, certainly, but it is what it is right now for Leeds.
West Ham do not have anything left to play for so it’s the right time to play them as they will be focusing on the Conference League final should they get the job done later on Thursday, 18 May.
In other Leeds United news, an exit-bound senior player was spotted in tears after what happened recently.