The trick to a successful season in the Championship – in Leeds United’s case, that means promotion – is consistency.
And, for the most part, Daniel Farke’s Leeds have had that in droves.
Yes, a shock 1-0 defeat away at Portsmouth disrupts the momentum, to say the least, with Sheffield United, Burnley and even a rejuvenated Sunderland fixing their sights on an automatic promotion spot.
Yet, this was still a Leeds United side on their longest unbeaten run since February 1974 before heading to Fratton Park.
This Leeds had not lost in 17 games. An outfit who furthermore, recorded 20 clean sheets after 32 league matches for the first time in their entire history.
Sometimes, as was the case against Portsmouth, Lady Luck turns her back and you simply have to accept that this day is not going to be your day.
Josh Murphy shines as Portsmouth stun Leeds United at Fratton Park
EFL expert George Elek, however, feels that John Mousinho’s plucky, purposeful Pompey do not deserve to be portrayed as mere smash-and-grabbers, robbing the three points from under Daniel Farke’s nose.
Their winner on the 60th minute mark was wonderfully crafted; From Connor Ogilvie’s curving pass to Colby Bishop’s razor-sharp finish.
Elek, as an avid Oxford United fan, also knows just how exhilarating former Kassam Stadium favourite Josh Murphy can be when at the top of his game. He may lack the reliability of twin brother Jacob – a regular in the Newcastle XI these days – but Portsmouth’s number 23 can puncture even the most watertight of backlines on the occasions where he enters Hulk Smash mode.
The usually-reliable Jayden Bogle couldn’t live with the Portsmouth talisman.
“Most games we see Leeds win, they would win in 95 times out of 100 because they are so dominant,” Elek begins.
“As John Mousinho said in his post-match interview, because [Portsmouth] took the game to Leeds, they managed to create some good attacking moments. Andre Dozzell forced a good save from Illan Meslier. Murphy hit the woodwork at 1-0. Because they took the game to Leeds, that probably brings that 95 times out of 100 to 75.
“Because they offered something from an attacking perspective, which we see so many teams struggle to do, they tipped the balance in their favour.
“They lived on the edge. They probably conceded much more in terms of ‘good chances’ than if they had tried to contain Leeds. But because they have a very good keeper, they were able to get the three points.”
EFL expert wonders how Josh Murphy would get on under Daniel Farke
Murphy’s thumping drive – clattering the post with next-to-no backlift – summed up just how unpredictable and occasionally untouchable he can be. Elek cannot help but wonder just who devastating Murphy could be if surrounded by the sort of talent at Daniel Farke’s disposal.
“Murphy, again, watching that game I was kind of thinking; ‘Imagine if Josh Murphy played for Leeds, imagine what he would do off the left-hand side for them’.
“He is just so good. And when he is oozing confidence, there aren’t many better than him in the Championship.”
“They did not really let our wide players get into the game, and in the wide duels they were better,” agrees former Leeds defender Aidy White.
“Murphy for me was the best player on the pitch today. Both wide areas, they got at our full-backs and made it really difficult.”
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