Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has defended Leeds United and their manager, Daniel Farke, from a perception that he believes is unfair.
Daniel Farke inspired his Leeds side to another impressive performance as his side produced a defensive masterclass during the 0-0 draw against Liverpool.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin dropping to the bench was one of four changes Farke made to his Leeds side as they faced a daunting test against an improving Liverpool side.
Gabriel Gudmundsson led the way at the back for Leeds, as they kept a much-needed clean sheet to extend their unbeaten Premier League run to six games.
Richards defended Farke’s side after the game, claiming they are at risk of being unfairly stereotyped in the media.
Who was your man of the match from Leeds’ battling draw at Anfield? 🧱
FULL-TIME: Liverpool 0-0 Leeds United
Micah Richards defends Leeds United’s style of play
Speaking on the Sky Sports coverage after the game, Richards explained why he believes Farke’s side are at risk of being unfairly typecast after another impressive performance.
Leeds have used set pieces as a major part of their attacking arsenal this season, but Richards believes they are a better footballing side than they are given credit for.
The former Premier League star said: “I think it’s been magnificent. If you look at the games against Chelsea, Liverpool, Brentford, Palace, all these games on paper, you’re thinking if they get a few draws, maybe one win, you’ve done your job.
“But to go through that and get the amount of points that Leeds have when everyone wrote them off, and I think it was maybe because Calvert-Lewin earlier in the season wasn’t scoring, now he’s taking them chances.
“With Leeds, I don’t like the way everyone just talks about them like they’re a set-piece team, they’re hard to beat. Yes, they were hard to beat tonight, but they can also play with energy.
“They were compact, and they were aggressive. And that stems from the manager. They are a really good team to watch, especially at home as well.”
Leeds United achieve 30-year first against Liverpool
Although Leeds started the season well defensively, they had not kept a clean sheet in 15 games, with their last shutout coming against Newcastle at the end of August.
According to LUFCData, Leeds also achieved a 30-year first by shutting out their opponents in a stellar defensive performance.
Do you agree with the player ratings from Leeds’ well-deserved draw at Anfield?
It was a tricky assignment for Leeds' forwards
Leeds’ last clean sheet at Anfield came in April 1995, when Brian Deane scored the only goal of a 1-0 away victory for the Whites.
Although Farke’s side could not find the winner on this occasion, the Leeds boss will be pleased to see his side back to their best defensively as they moved seven points clear of the relegation zone.
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