Leeds United failed to beat AFC Bournemouth, but they showed Spurs and Newcastle United how it’s done against Andoni Iraola’s side in many ways.
The 19 shots were worth an xG figure of 1.8, per FBref. It’s fair to say that Leeds United were the far better team, with Bournemouth only generating 0.7xG of their own in the 2-2 draw through a last-gasp equaliser.
Numerous Leeds players impressed against Bournemouth, with Sean Longstaff, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Gabriel Gudmundsson stealing the headlines for their displays on Saturday.
The Whites will feel incredibly frustrated not to have taken all three points in the end, but they showcased that they are capable of creating chances. Not only that, but in a variety of different ways as well.
- READ MORE: Joe Rodon did something he’s never done before during Leeds United’s draw against Bournemouth
Bournemouth stats show why Leeds were unlucky not to win
Even if they were strong from set-pieces and in open play, Leeds didn’t cover themselves in glory on the goals they conceded, with both soft for different reasons.
Leeds’ defensive set-piece issues against Bournemouth were laid bare and it’s something Farke knows Leeds must improve on after Bournemouth scored so deep into added-time to snatch a point.
Graham Smyth thinks Farke got the Leeds subs wrong against Bournemouth, but he also got plenty of things right. There were far more positives to take against what has been a resolute Bournemouth side this campaign.
In fact, speaking of xG, Bournemouth have conceded between 0.2 and 0.6 in four of the six league games this season. It means Leeds (1.8) and Liverpool (2.2) are the only sides to generate more against Iraola’s side.
As Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley has outlined, only Arsenal and Newcastle United have a better defence by expected goals against and it’s been seriously impressive by Iraola.
But Spurs, Brighton, Newcastle, and Wolves all struggled. Tottenham under Thomas Frank struggled to generate any meaningful chances of note, while Leeds made plenty on Saturday.
Daniel Farke’s view of the expected goals against Bournemouth
Speaking in a post-match press conference, Farke said: “It is a well valued and a good point. I wouldn’t have taken even a point before the game because I always play to win. “And, of course, if you concede that late and should have deservedly won this game.
“Of course, it doesn’t feel great in the first instance, but we move on and make sure that we deliver such a performance again. So, I think just compliments for my lads today.
“I think we would have deserved to win this game. We have outperformed them in terms of expected goals and I think just one team was missing big chances today. That was us.
“Normally we should have won the game. Even in the first half, we had more than enough chances to win probably two Premier League games. Sadly, we missed all of them.
“Of course, it is a bit heartbreaking if apart from this situation, you don’t give anything away in the second half. But yeah, this is what happens at the top level. Sometimes the teams are very effective and can punish very, very little.
“I am proud of the performance. So many things to like about this, also a valuable point. But yeah, of course, a bit unlucky and disappointing that it was not three points.”
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