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One step forward and two steps back for United

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After a dismal start to the 2016-17 campaign, Leeds looked to have turned things around, embarking on a four game winning streak. An away tie at Bristol City appeared to be the perfect way to continue that run and build even more momentum, but Garry Monk’s side slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of The Robins. United fans are all too familiar with the scenario- the one step forward, two steps back approach that has haunted The Whites for years.

A win at Ashton Gate on Tuesday night would have seen Leeds level on points with promotion favourites Newcastle United and sitting just below the play-off spots in the Championship table. This was an early season six-pointer, and Bristol have broken into the top 6 after emerging victorious. At the time of writing, United continue to wallow firmly in mid-table, a position in which fans have become used to seeing them in recent years.

The situation at Elland Road still looks a lot brighter than it did a few weeks ago, however. The players are beginning to click and buy into Monk’s philosophy, and they were unlucky not to get anything from the mid-week fixture. Leeds dominated with 54% of possession, and fired 12 shots on goal. One glaring problem with United’s performances overall, though, is their shot accuracy of 37%. Newcastle, in comparison, have had a 46% shot accuracy, which has resulted in 17 goals after 9 games.

Before the international break Leeds face another crucial tie against Yorkshire rivals Barnsley who have had an excellent start to life in the Championship. The Tykes will relish the opportunity to overthrow their neighbours, but The Whites are 11/10 in the football betting markets to get back on the front foot. A win for Leeds would put them level on points with Barnsley with a respectable total of 16 going into the second break of the season.

Striker Chris Wood’s purple patch (see below) has come at the right time for Monk’s side, and his form could be one of the keys to Leeds breaking into the top 6. The New Zealand international has scored 7 in all competitions so far this season, and sits in the top five strikers in the league with 5 goals. His strike rate of 21 shots on goal is second only to Scott Hogan of Brentford. Wood only managed to notch 13 goals in 33 league appearances last season, and his latest figures of 5 in 9 are a thoroughly encouraging improvement.

Leeds have the chance to pick themselves up from the defeat at Bristol and embark on another winning streak in October. All the league fixtures after the international break – Derby, Wigan, Wolves, Burton – look winnable, and by the end of the month United could be in a strong position. Monk’s side are 125/1 to top the pile, but as the favourites Newcastle showed when their winning streak came to an abrupt end against Wolves, anything can happen in this league.



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  • Asim says:

    Why any kind of negativity, we played well and should have won, yes poor finishing cost us but the performance was pleasing and we weren’t helped by some very poor refereeing decisions.

  • Rex says:

    Agree with the above – way too negative. Surely it is more 4 steps forward, 1 back after the last 5 games? Not getting carried away, but we are actually playing some football just now and look like a team for the first time for ages. I’m optimistic.

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