Leeds United are sitting pretty joint-top of the Championship table with Sunderland after coming through a tricky test against Watford at Elland Road, with the players understandably tired.
The likes of Joe Rodon, Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka, Wilfried Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson and Mateo Joseph were all in action during the international break before coming straight back in to play Sheffield United.
That was last Friday, a big 2-0 win over Chris Wilder’s side. Having endured a busy break with some big numbers clocked up in terms of miles travelled, Leeds were then in action again come Tuesday night.
They took on Tom Cleverley’s Watford, the sixth side of the other seven clubs in the top eight going into Tuesday’s game Leeds have faced. It was a narrow win and Leeds limped to the full-time whistle.
Simon Grayson seems to have missed Pascal Struijk’s error
Early goals from Largie Ramazani and Brenden Aaronson looked like it would be a rampant night for Leeds. But Watford grew into the game and got one back just after half-time through Kwadwo Baah.
Baah completely skinned an out-of-position Pascal Struijk on Leeds’ left flank, before his cross came back to him off Joe Rodon before he slammed it home. But Grayson praised Struijk on BBC Radio Leeds.
“A good captain’s performance. Really strong and powerful, good blocks, winning his headers and he was getting free kicks. Captain’s performance, showed his leadership skills, his strength and his power.”
Pascal Struijk stats from Leeds United’s win against Watford
Other than Watford’s goal, Struijk was excellent and Grayson was right in terms of his performance. He was brave, throwing himself at aerial battles in both boxes, neat in possession and leading by example.
Pascal Struijk’s stats for Leeds vs Watford:
- 85 touches (Leeds’ best)
- Four aerial battles won (joint Leeds’ best with Junior Firpo)
- One tackle, three interceptions (Leeds’ best), five clearances
- 67 passes attempted, 59 completed (88.1% success rate)
- Four long balls completed, 10 attempted
Joe Rodon recently said that he is delighted to have Struijk back from injury, and the duo are combining to perfection. While it was an eighth conceded in their 11th league game, they’ve played every minute.
If Leeds are to maintain their position at the top of the Championship table, then keeping Rodon and Struijk fit will be the foundation on which they can build. Junior Firpo though, will miss Saturday’s game.
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