Leeds United’s attention turns to a home clash against Watford this weekend as Daniel Farke aims for his first home league win of the season.
The Whites have taken an impressive four points from two challenging away games this week against Millwall and Hull City, but it could have been maximum last night.
Leeds spurned chances in the first half to deservedly take the lead, before Joe Rodon’s red card tipped the balance of play in the Tigers’ favour.
Why couldn’t Leeds find the net?
Leeds were left frustrating by an inspired Ryan Allsop making his debut for the home side last night, as he pulled off four smart saves, three of which stopping fierce efforts in the first half from Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, of which the Frenchman definitely should have converted.
Dominance in the first half of the match saw Leeds have the lion’s share of possession and chances, only for Allsop to be tested a few times when it really should have been more.
Dan James started in favour of Summerville, with the Dutch winger coming on prematurely as Willy Gnonto picked up an injury in the first half.
Leeds v Watford predictions?
Leeds win
Draw
Watford win
Should James be dropped?
When watching how Leeds attacked with real fluidity in the first half, there was one weak link when Leeds got to the edge of the box.
James registered four shots during the game, seeing two blocked and one off target, summed up infuriatingly by his lashed effort from outside the box with his weaker left foot, never going to trouble the ‘keeper as it was blocked at close range (via Sofascore):
It comes after his solid outing away from home against Millwall, where he came off the bench and exploited space in the way he knows best in transition.
However, facing a low block with the edge of the box packed with Hull shirts, attacks died quite swiftly when those around him looked incredibly dynamic.
A role from the bench is the best thing for him at this moment in time, which is a worrying way to utilise the £25million outlay from 2021, but the only viable option.