Leeds United overcome £183m handicap vs Aston Villa as Ethan Ampadu delivers again
Leeds United secured a 1-1 draw despite having a vastly less expensive starting XI than Aston Villa.
Anton Stach scored a stunning first-half free kick from more than 30 yards out as Daniel Farke‘s team threatened an upset against the Premier League title challengers.
But Leeds could not withstand Villa’s fightback as Tammy Abraham scored in the 88th minute to ensure honours ended even on Saturday afternoon.
What made this point all the more impressive, though, was that seven of Leeds’ starting XI against Unai Emery’s side played in the Championship last season.
Moreover, according to LUFC Data, Leeds’ starting line-up cost £88million, while Villa’s totalled £271m – a £183m difference.
But going by what had played out at Villa Park, you would not have known it after a very competitive game.
Ethan Ampadu proves his worth again for Leeds
When Leeds signed Ampadu from Chelsea in 2023 for around £7m on a four-year deal, many thought this was an astute signing.
The midfielder, who can also play as a centre-back, became a Leeds fan favourite due to his combative approach and commitment to the cause.
However, there were question marks over whether he could make the step up to the Premier League after their Championship-winning campaign last season.
So far, though, the 25-year-old is proving he belongs in the English top flight, with his latest outing at Villa enhancing those credentials.
Indeed, he won eight duels, made five clearances and two interceptions, recovered the ball nine times, and ran nearly 12 kilometres.
Across this season, Ampadu is second only to Pascal Struijk (55) for average passes per game among Leeds players in the Premier League with 48.6.
Ampadu also leads the way for tackles per game (2.3), interceptions (1.5) and fouls (1.3), showing just how importance he is in a defensive sense.
With former Sheffield United loanee Ampadu in the team, Leeds stand a real chance of staying in the Premier League for another season.
Leeds relying on home form in relegation fight
Leeds have won just once away all season, a 3-1 win at Premier League basement side Wolves.
Aside from that, they have lost seven, and drawn six – the joint second-worst away record in the division with Burnley.
However, some of those draws include valuable points at Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, Brentford, Sunderland, and more.
But it seems if Leeds want to pick up wins to preserve their top-flight status, they may need to rely on results at Elland Road.
On their own patch, they have the 12th-best record in the league with 22 of their 31 points coming there.
Next up, they face second-placed Manchester City, hoping to claim another scalp in their own backyard.
More winnable games at home to Sunderland, Wolves, and Burnley lie ahead but Farke’s side will go into the City game full of belief they can earn an upset.
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