At the very least, besides more points on the board, Leeds United needed to put in an encouraging display against Newcastle United after a week of on-pitch turmoil. Saturday provided that, to an extent.
That’s now two clean sheets in two home games and four points from a very tricky opening trio of fixtures. There were fears about coming out of the first three matches with nothing, but points breed confidence.
Well, at least for the first third, and perhaps the middle third. The defence has looked strong at home, Pascal Struijk currently keeping Jaka Bijol out of the team - for now.
The midfield was evidently weakened amid injuries but to put that display in without Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka is promising. But there is one area Leeds are clearly lacking in.
Transfer stance
Leeds fans are baying for their club to buy more attacking talent before deadline day, but there is a possibility that none are brought in. Daniel Farke is pushing for an offensive signing before the window closes.
"Quality is crucial if we want to give ourselves the best possible chance [of survival],” he said post-match. “If not, we won't raise the white flag. But it will be difficult. Until last hour of the window we have to try everything."
However, it's understood the club are having to watch PSR limits, having spent more than £100million on 10 signings this summer and selling just two players for an initial combined sum of £8.5m.
A small fee has been gained too from Max Wober's loan to Werder Bremen and the sale of academy prospect Diogo Monteiro. But not much.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Leeds United
It has also been underlined that the club will only bring in a player they believe will improve the squad. Money won’t be spent for the sake of it. However, Farke has clearly laid down the gauntlet.
Going route one
Leeds found most success on Saturday by going long to Lukas Nmecha. The striker was able to hold off the bulky Newcastle centre-backs and bring the ball down, which led to attacks. Nmecha also did his bit of defending too.
The problem was that next bit, yet again. This time, it was sloppy play that prevented progression. Leeds looked better in that regard when Dominic Calvert-Lewin came onto the pitch with Jack Harrison also putting in a very positive showing.
Nevertheless, that is now just one goal from three matches - and that was from the penalty spot. A premium goal scorer may have won them the match. This is the difference.
Harrison’s redemption arc?
He’s still got a bit to go yet before completing this but he’s on the right path. Harrison’s 30-minute display will have won a fair few critics back. Running, hassling and general hard work will all be appreciated.
Harrison got his head up too and was sturdy in the pass and the tackle. There were a few boos when he came on but the majority were cheers. It was only three weeks ago he was roundly booed by supporters in Dublin.
Over time the pendulum has swung. He will still have to do more in order to melt the stern stance of the most ardent diehards, but keep on his current trajectory and he’ll give himself the best shot at doing so. Work on those crosses and he can superboost this process.
Here at LeedsLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the bestLeeds Unitedcoverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Leeds news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clickinghereto subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Clickhereto be sent all the day's biggest stories.