Leeds United’s goalless draw at Bristol City was not a match that will live long in the memory as the Whites were unable to break down their hosts in a hard-fought early Saturday kick-off.
Daniel Farke’s men did have their chances, with Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James failing to capitalise on opportunities, but left Ashton Gate with a share of the points.
The draw saw Leeds end the weekend third in the Championship table and with a quarter of the season now gone, the standings are beginning to take shape and trends are emerging.
While Leeds can afford to be relatively satisfied with their start to the season given the squad churn in the summer transfer window, Whites boss Farke believes there is one trait that will be key when it comes to the end-of-season shakedown next year.
Daniel Farke highlights Leeds United’s defensive record
Speaking after the Robins blank, Farke gave his assessment on the team’s first 12 games and what his side need to do in the coming months.
“Overall when I have to judge the first 12 games after a wild, crazy first game what we have delivered has been rock solid,” he said in his post-match press conference.
“I have the feeling that the best defence in the league always goes up. We want to be the best defence, we’ve added many clean sheets but you always have to stay awake, if you do one step less, if an offensive player works less, if there is an injury, the momentum can change quick.
“I think it’s too soon to praise our defence yet, just 12 games gone. But if you can keep going with this solidity it will be a key topic in order to have something to cheer about at the end of the season.”
Daniel Farke’s case for the defence
Farke’s comments on the importance of having the best defence in the league rang true last year, as champions Leicester City had the most stingy defence in the division, having let in 41 goals, with Leeds only two behind on 43.
This season only Burnely (five), Sheffield United (six) and West Brom (seven) have conceded fewer than the eight goals that Leeds have shipped in.
Leeds have also managed to keep clean sheets in 45 per cent of Championship matches under Farke since the start of last season, while Leeds went into the Bristol City clash having faced the fewest shots per game in English football’s top four tiers, allowing just 7.5 shots per match
Next up for Leeds is Plymouth and Farke will have to make a change at the back for the second straight game, following Jayden Bogle’s fifth yellow card of the season at the weekend, although Junior Firpo is free to return after completing his one-match ban for five cautions.
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