What Wayne Rooney said about Leeds United and Daniel Farke after Tottenham defeat

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United came close again to getting a result on Saturday, but fell short in the most important metric, the scoreline. Tottenham secured a 2-1 win against the run of play.

Leeds dominated possession, had much better XG and attempts on goal, and territory. Yet, Daniel Farke’s side failed to score more than one goal, while two deflected efforts found their way past Karl Darlow.

Mathys Tel gave Spurs the lead, scoring after Pascal Struijk’s deflection wrong-footed Darlow and found its way into the top corner. One that many believe Darlow should have saved and had time to react.

But the second sent Darlow the wrong way, with the former Newcastle man expecting Mohammed Kudus’ effort to go towards the far corner and Struijk, once again, deflecting the ball towards the near post.

• READ MORE: What Leeds fans chanted at Archie Gray that even impressed his Spurs teammate

Wayne Rooney sympathetic with Leeds and Daniel Farke

Tottenham’s goals came either side of Noah Okafor’s equaliser, but Leeds had many more chances. Joe Rodon hit the post and once again, Dominic Calvert-Lewin proved wasteful in front in the final third.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Rooney said that Farke will be delighted with his side’s performance against one of the Premier League’s Champions League sides – the third Leeds have faced this season.

“Leeds were very unlucky not to come away with any points. They created some really good chances, but they just weren’t clinical enough. He’ll be really happy with the performance today, Daniel Farke.”

Leeds have eight points, but what would they have as per XG?

Leeds came close to a point against Fulham, only to concede bizarrely in the 94th minute when Gabriel Gudmundsson scored an own goal. Then, Bournemouth scored in injury time to equalise and draw 2-2.

On Saturday, Leeds were the better side but individual quality found them on the receiving end of a 2-1 loss going into the international break. But where would Leeds be if results reflected their XG per game?

Hopefully, after the international break, Leeds can convert superior XG into goals. Especially, because they face relegation rivals Burnley at Turf Moor, before West Ham come to Elland Road on October 24.