An away trip to QPR proved to be difficult for Leeds United again on Saturday afternoon as The Whites could only salvage a point against Marti Cifuentes’ side at Loftus Road.
During Marcelo Bielsa’s reign, Leeds lost three of five games they faced QPR – twice in the league and one in The FA Cup. Last season, Daniel Farke’s automatic push started unravelling with a 4-0 loss at QPR.
After the first 20 minutes, it looked like Leeds might struggle again. Goals from Koki Saito and Steve Cook handed Cifuentes’ side a two-goal lead despite QPR losing four games in a row in the last few weeks.
But instead of allowing a capitulation like last season, Leeds rallied and equalised shortly after the break through Jayden Bogle after Junior Firpo had got one back before the break – his third in four matches.
Marti Cifuentes makes Leeds United promotion claim after draw
Leeds were improved in the second half but could not find the winner, in what was their third game in six days. QPR is always a tough place to go for Leeds so a 2-2 draw all things considered, is not a bad result.
Speaking after the game in his post-match press conference, Spanish boss Cifuentes discussed the pursuit of promotion for Leeds and said he is hopeful that Farke’s men get themselves into the Premier League.
“Leeds are a fantastic side. I hope they go up,” Cifuentes said. “It was not easy for them last season. I’m sure a lot of things went on in Daniel’s head at 2-0 down. I think they are a stronger side this season.”
Marti Cifuentes identified the difference in Leeds and QPR draw
With Leeds pushing to get themselves back into the side and scoring in the final five minutes of the first half, Cifuentes identified Firpo’s goal as the difference between QPR holding on – or drawing the game.
It was a scrappy goal, Firpo not getting the best of contacts after Manor Solomon finally registered an assist after five games without a goal or an assist: “It was probably the key of the game, in my opinion.
“I think that if we could have managed to keep the 2-0, perhaps the game could have been different at the end because it’s not easy for an away side to go in 2-0 down at half-time,” he told QPR’s website.
Leeds will go into the international break in first place despite the draw, but Burnley have closed their gap to two points. If Sheffield United draw with Sheffield Wednesday today, they will go level with Leeds.
But Leeds’ excellent goal difference sees them sit ahead of Sheffield United. Sam Parkin predicted seven points from Leeds’ next three games and it seems probable, with Swansea and Luton after the break.
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