National media single out Leeds United moment that 'set the tone' in Burnley defeat
Leeds United fell to their first defeat at Elland Road this season with a 1-0 loss against Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
That’s two wins, two draws, and one loss so far in their five Championship outings this term. Fans have been treated to a fairly impressive start to the new campaign after an overhaul of the squad this summer with key players such as Archie Gray, Georginio Rutter, and Crysencio Summerville to name a few, all leaving the Whites to challenge themselves in the Premier League but the funds raised from their departures will help Leeds moving forward.
Impressive victories against Sheffield Wednesday and most recently a comprehensive 2-0 win against Hull City put wind into the sails of those associated with Leeds, however, the defeat against Burnley will feel like a sucker punch just as Daniel Farke’s side were putting together a run of form.
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Here’s what the national media had to say following the Whites’ first defeat of the campaign.
The miss set the tone
BBC Sport said: “Koleosho made the most of Manor Solomon’s unfortunate slip and sprinted 70 yards before drilling a low shot across goal and beyond goalkeeper Illan Meslier to end a two-game winless league run.
Burnley, who had lost on seven of their previous nine visits to Elland Road, had keeper James Trafford to thank for notable saves from Wilfried Gnonto and Ethan Ampadu.
The visitors ended the game with 10 men after Bashir Humphreys was sent off deep into stoppage time after picking up a second yellow card.
Leeds bossed possession and territory throughout a feisty match and should have led inside a minute when Mateo Joseph shot wide when clean through.
The miss set the tone for an increasingly frustrating afternoon, with the hosts wasteful with the few real chances they created and a packed and well-organised Clarets defence withstanding relentless second-half pressure.
While Leeds dominated the ball, with about 75% possession in the first half and almost 72% overall, Burnley were equally - if not more - threatening in attack.
The hosts should have been ahead after 45 seconds, but Joseph dragged his shot wide after racing through from the halfway line following a Maxime Esteve blunder.
Trafford got his angles spot on then, as he did to deny Gnonto from close range, but other than that he had very little to do before the break.
Leeds did have a decent claim for a penalty ignored when Joe Worrall rode his luck with a tackle from behind that won the ball but could easily have resulted in a spot-kick.
Scott Parker’s side grew in confidence from the moment Koleosho made the most of Solomon's slip.
They defended deep with great organisation and discipline, and the pace and direct running of Jaidon Anthony and Hannibal Mejbri posed problems at the other end of the pitch.
A Zian Flemming strike was saved by Meslier, Anthony sent a low effort wide and Worrall headed over from a corner.
Trafford was unsurprisingly more involved as the pressure ramped up after the interval, making a brilliant fingertip save to keep out a Joseph curler, and deflecting Ampadu’s strike over.
But although the Leeds fans stayed with their team, they could not inspire any late drama and preserve their unbeaten start to the campaign.”
Leeds know the perils
Richard Sutcliffe from The Athletic wrote: “Leeds United know all too well the perils that can come with losing the Championship play-off final. Just 12 months after surrendering 3-0 to Watford in the 2006 promotion decider, Leeds slid into League One on the back of a calamitous relegation season featuring 44 players, three managers, eight captains and one administration.
No other club in the Premier League era has suffered such a dramatic fall after losing what is widely regarded as the richest game in world football, such was the financial reward Southampton claimed at United’s expense by triumphing 1-0 at Wembley in May.
Saturday may not have gone to plan against Burnley but United still boast two more points than they did at the corresponding stage a year ago, suggesting the current crop are firmly in the running to emulate the six beaten play-off finalists over the past 20 years who went on to clinch promotion the following season.”
Three things were clear
Louise Taylor of The Guardian wrote: “Well before the final whistle, three things were clear: Scott Parker’s tactical brain is as finely tuned as the Burnley manager’s dress sense, James Trafford looks a potential England goalkeeper and Leeds still struggle when Patrick Bamford is not at centre-forward.
As well as Burnley defended, Parker’s side had Trafford to thank for preserving a morale-boosting win that could prove significant when the second-tier music stops and the promotion places are decided next spring.
“A very big three points for us,” said Parker. “This is a tough place to come but we showed great grit and determination. And James Trafford was brilliant.”
Daniel Farke looked suitably dismayed. “Burnley are a good side but we didn’t take our chances,” said the Leeds manager. “Their goalkeeper was really good but we weren’t effective in the decisive moments.”
Will Ferrell was at Elland Road to watch his first game since the Hollywood actor became a minority investor in Leeds.”