Leeds United huffed and puffed, and while they did create chances against Burnley on Saturday, they couldn’t finish them off. On Sunday, Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Tottenham rubbed salt in wounds.
Leeds had an XG of over 2.5 goals and had almost 20 shots at goal, but still couldn’t score. Brenden Aaronson missed a sitter, while Jayden Bogle, Jack Harrison, and Lukas Nmecha all had big chances.
But Burnley were clinical and Leeds were lackadaisical in their defending. While Lesley Ogochukwu and Loum Tchaouna’s goals seemed impossible to avoid, it was all Leeds’ doing, notably, Karl Darlow’s.
Darlow played the ball out of play, which allowed Kyle Walker to cross for Burnley’s first, before Tchaouna claimed Darlow “wasn’t ready” and that convinced him to shoot. Now, Emi Buendia has made it worse.
Joe Rodon attempts a header as Leeds lose to Burnley.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Emi Buendia reminds Leeds just what they are missing
The scoreline read 1-1 during Sunday’s encounter between Tottenham and Aston Villa in North London, when Unai Emery decided to bring on Buendia. The Argentine is back at Villa after a loan at Leverkusen.
In the 77th minute, with both sides pushing for a winner, Matty Cash played a gorgeous ball into Lucas Digne, who managed to control. Buendia took the ball and finessed a gorgeous finish into the corner.
Clinical, precise and completely in control, as well as confidence to shoot from 20-25 yards. Buendia did exactly what he did for Daniel Farke on so many occasions, while wearing a Norwich shirt years ago.
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Leeds made a deadline-day bid to sign Emi Buendia on loan
Buendia’s goal reminds Leeds fans of what they’re lacking, but even worse, what they could have had. It is no secret that Farke has pushed for the signing of Buendia at Leeds, both last season and this summer.
Emi Buendia celebrates his goal and Aston Villa's win over Tottenham.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Reports on deadline day said Leeds made a loan bid to sign £40m Buendia from Villa. Unsurprisingly, it was rejected, with £40m Buendia expected to play a role in a Villa side that remains in the Europa League.
Clearly, it was the right move by Villa. Buendia is showing signs that he is returning to his best form after a horrible knee injury, and his winner against Tottenham is proof. For Leeds, it is a sign of what they lack.