MOT View: Questions need to be answered – Three things learned about Leeds in 1-0 v Reading
For the first time in months, Leeds United finally recorded consecutive Championship wins after seeing off Reading at Elland Road on Saturday.
The Whites weren’t at their fluent best but showed great signs of determination to get the win thanks to a second-half Pablo Hernandez strike.
It was another brilliant weekend for the top two as well, with West Brom and Leeds winning as Brentford, Fulham, and Nottingham Forest all dropped points in the chasing pack.
Despite not being at their best Leeds dominated the majority of the tie. Looking at the attacking momentum graph from Sofa Score, it was clear which way the game was going in the second half.
Here are three things learned about Leeds after their recent 1-0 win…
1. Questions need to be asked about players round Bamford
It was another blank for Patrick Bamford on Saturday, who once again was frustrating. The 26-year-old was unusually sloppy in possession though against Reading, as something other than his finishing caught our attention. The striker didn’t necessarily have many clear-cut chances, but the players around him certainly did. Although they impressed, players such as Helder Costa and Jack Harrison need to start chipping in with more goals themselves. Hernandez got the winner, but he and Costa had NINE shots on goal according to WhoScored – seven more than Bamford who came out of the game picking up the criticism from fans. Yes, we have no complaints with their levels of performance, but they must start consistently adding goals to support Bamford.
2. Klich rejuvenated after breaking record
Mateusz Klich made his 82nd consecutive start for Leeds on Saturday, breaking Gordon Strachan’s previous record at Elland Road. The Polish international has been superb in recent games, and once again shined against the Royals at Elland Road. Klich had the job of marking the influential John Swift and did a great job of keeping him quiet until Mark Bowen decided to drag him off in the second half.
3. It’s a funny old league the Championship
This time two weeks ago, Leeds fans were waking up to ridicule after losing 2-0 against Nottingham Forest. The chasing pack were closing in and the Whites looked all at sea with Kalvin Phillips suspended. Pass forward to the present day, and we now have a five-point gap to the play-offs once again. Brentford, Nottingham Forest, and Fulham have all been winless in their past two outings, whereas Leeds have gone about their business quietly and more importantly effectively. The two clean-sheets have been particularly pleasing in a fortnight that could have great significance on the rest of the season.
In other Leeds United news, Kalvin Phillips has delivered an update on his injury after being taken off during first-half v Reading