One thing that has been noticeable about Daniel Farke’s Leeds United side at Elland Road is the grit and the aggression that they have shown in games against Everton and Newcastle.
For Farke’s first two years as Leeds manager, fans have become accustomed to Leeds controlling games and showing flair, goals, and creativity. But in the Premier League, Leeds and Farke know what they are.
It is clear that Farke knows his side needs to be hard to beat. Solid in defence, turning Elland Road into a fortress and making games – especially against big sides – ugly. They did that against Eddie Howe’s side.
In the rain, Leeds were hard-working and dogged and fully deserved a point against a side that will be in this season’s Champions League and finished fifth last season. The current holders of the Carabao Cup.
Lee Dixon on punditry duty.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Lee Dixon shares one thing he noticed about Lukas Nmecha
Farke handed out two first Premier League starts for Lukas Nmecha and Sean Longstaff. One was forced with Longstaff having to start after both Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka picked up the same injury.
Nmecha, meanwhile, came into the side with Joel Piroe enduring a difficult start to the season and failing to score in his three games. Dixon, on co-commentary for NBC Sports, noticed one thing about Nmecha.
Lukas Nmecha battles Sven Botman as Leeds draw with Newcastle.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Nmecha won a free-kick after going down under the aerial challenge of Sven Botman on 38 minutes, and Dixon said Nmecha was clever, but had conned referee Peter Bankes to win a free-kick in Newcastle’s half.
“This is clever from Nmecha. Backs into the defender, waits for any touch or contact and then goes down, wins his side a free-kick. Tricks the ref really,” Dixon said, when discussing the free-kick won by Nmecha.
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Lukas Nmecha stats for Leeds United v Newcastle
Nmecha did a job, and that is the best way to describe his performance. The two-time Germany star was tasked with getting Leeds up the pitch, using his experience and bringing Leeds’ attackers into play.
Perhaps the threat at the top of the pitch was not there, but Nmecha brings so much more to Leeds than Piroe does. He contributes to play, gives Leeds a way out. Something which Leeds lack with Piroe up top.
Lukas Nmecha’s stats for Leeds against Newcastle:
70 minutes played, 6.2 FotMob rating
XG+XA: 0.12, one shot, four touches in Newcastle box
33 touches, 13/18 successful passes
Nine defensive contributions, one interception, three clearances
Three duels won, six lost
When Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on, Leeds had more goal threat but it is clear Calvert-Lewin is still a bit rusty. When all are fit, it will be interesting to see who starts for Leeds, especially if there are new signings.