Good Morning. It's Tuesday 11th October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Gnonto on target as U21's soar
Leeds U21's had to work hard to overcome a stubborn Sunderland team, brimming with first team players, at the Stadium of light last night. The Wearside outfit were still no match for Michael Skubala's side with Wilfred Gnonto taking the plaudits with a second half strike to keep Leeds unbeaten start to the season intact, and stretch their lead at the top of the table. After the game, a delighted Skubala was quick to praise his team, not just for their three points, but a solid defensive performance, with Kris Moore being singled out for special treatment.
“A top test for both teams. They had a good team out, we had a good team out and we knew it'd be a strong game. They've got some really good players on loan from big clubs and they've got tricky wingers. I thought the first half was a real sort of open but toe to toe game and then I thought, second half, we dominated. We'd got inside, changed a few things and tidied up a few things and I thought we were good.
Kris Moore has really sort of taken a leadership role on to organise because he's probably the most consistent one in the team. Morton's come in alongside him and I think he's done really well. I think he did really well today, he was tackling, he was heading, but also his balls forward were superb, so he’s had a real good game.
Harvey was really good until he had to go off of injury and then Cody, I think goes under the radar, but he's had three really top games and against that good winger (Jewison Bennette), Cody was controlling him. So as a back four, they were really good today.
120 free kicks conceded in eight games
Leeds have conceded 120 free kicks so far this season, prompting concern that Jesse Marsch's players need to smarten up their act, if they are to avoid the drop, come May. No team work harder on the pitch than Leeds, yet giving the ball away cheaply or conceding unnecessary free kicks have cost them dearly.
Whilst Leeds have seen vast improvement this season from defending set pieces, especially aerially, the vast number of fouls conceded (in dangerous areas) are giving the opposition cheap points.
Leeds passing ability causing concern
Latest statistics from Whoscored.com suggest that whilst Leeds are enjoying more possession on the ball and better aerial supremity, their passing has gone awry and are having few shots at goal.
Only Southampton and Fulham have a poorer passing record in the top flight, whilst possession wise, Leeds make the top eight. In layman's terms, Leeds are having to work harder to stay in possession. When they lose the ball, they are incredibly efficient in getting it back, but are having to exert a lot of energy in doing so.