Leeds United and Brentford played out a 0-0 draw at Elland Road this afternoon, with the home side probably edging the game and deserving the win.
In a game of very few goal-scoring opportunities, The Whites will feel like they had the best chances to win the game although neither team really inflicted any pressure on their opposition. Brentford set up in a 5-3-2 and tried to frustrate, playing long balls into the channels and looking for second phases and set-piece opportunities. The hosts, defended well, with the centre-back pairing of Max Wober and Robin Koch dealing with everything that was thrown at them.
Rodrigo had a number of chances, mainly strikes from the edge of the box which Raya in The Bees goal dealt with comfortably. The majority of the chances and possession were in the way of the home side, but a combination of both Brentford’s defence and Leeds lacking a killer instinct up top made it difficult for Jesse Marsch’s side to pinch a goal.
Jesse Marsch spoke to LUTV about the contest directly after the game and said, “The lads in the dressing room are disappointed, they feel they deserve more and they wanted more.”
“I’m very positive, I’m seeing and believing in what we’re doing at the highest level now and obviously points in this league are at a premium, never easy to get but my focus has been trying to get the group to really understand tactically, what we want to look like, how we want to play and that part, no doubt is coming together. I’m starting to feel like the fruits of our labour are finally coming to fruition.”
“I think in the back, we were incredibly stable, a team that’s very creative and difficult to deal with from set piece perspective. I thought we were very clear, no shots on frame. So, really good performances in the back and upfront as well. Just a little bit unlucky not to come away with one little play or one little action. You know, on another day, maybe we can find a way to get that goal and make a last play that makes the big difference on the day but in the end, we’re getting better, and that’s the best feeling on the inside. I don’t have to try to convince them anymore about how we’re moving ourselves forward, they know.”
“We knew that they were going to present problems for us as well, especially in transition and we dealt with all those moments really well, really didn’t give much away and unlucky not to have a little bit more in the last third, but overall, probably our cleanest tactical performance to date.”
Leeds now have a break from Premier League action when they face either Boreham Wood or Accrington Stanley next Saturday in the FA Cup fourth round. Then a six-pointer follows with an away trip to Nottingham Forest, followed by Manchester United twice in the space of four days.
Leeds fans will be hoping for more additions through the door before the January transfer window closes in just under 10 days’ time.
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