Leeds United go into Thursday’s clash with Liverpool carrying real momentum after extending their unbeaten run to five matches with a 1–1 draw at the Stadium of Light.
Their away form has been questioned for much of the season, but the performance at Sunderland showed a side growing in confidence and control. Leeds were the stronger team after the interval, dictating the tempo and creating chances that suggested they could have come away with all three points.
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That run of form is now adding pressure to the teams around them in the relegation fight. Nine points from the last five games have opened up valuable breathing space, shifting the spotlight onto those below them as Leeds begin to pull clear.
Now, attention turns to Thursday’s test against Liverpool. While the challenge will be significantly tougher, Leeds head into the fixture with belief, rhythm and the sense that their recent performances have put them in a position to approach the game without fear, and with growing confidence that they can continue to build momentum.
Virgil van Dijk is concerned ahead of the Leeds United clash
Liverpool’s form has improved in the last couple of weeks. However, they are still not playing that well, and only edged out bottom-placed Wolves with a 2-1 win at the weekend.
The Reds again conceded from a set-piece against Wolves, and captain Van Dijk is concerned that the team have conceded too many goals from dead-ball situations.
He is unsure whether it’s a mental thing or not. However, he conceded ahead of the Leeds clash that the team need to tighten up their set-piece defending.
Van Dijk said after the 2-1 win over Wolves at the weekend: “There have been plenty of games when we have defended [set-pieces] very well.
“But the fact is, we’ve conceded too many set-piece goals, and we don’t score enough. It’s about repetition, training, and analysis. It’s something we have to improve. I’d say at least 75 per cent of the time, or even more, it’s not even about the first contact; it’s the second phase that is the killer.
“Is it a mental thing? I hope not. If that’s in your head, then it’s an issue.
“Personally, it’s not in my head. We have defended so many set-pieces very well. But the fact is, we’ve conceded too many goals like that, and it hurts. We have to improve that. Training is the only way to get better at it.”
Leeds have been brilliant from set-pieces this season
Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool have reasons to be worried about their set-piece defending ahead of hosting Leeds United at Anfield on Thursday.
Leeds have been one of the proficient teams from attacking set-pieces this season, scoring almost half of their 25 Premier League goals so far.
Goal Type Goals Share of Total
Set Pieces 12 48%
Open Play 11 44%
Penalties 2 8%
With players such as Bijol, Pascal Struijk, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the box to attack aerial balls, Anton Stach’s precision deliveries have proved to be useful.
The Liverpool defenders will have to be at their best to ensure Leeds do not sneak in a goal or two from set-pieces at Anfield on New Year’s Day.
With the memories of the 3-3 draw at Elland Road still fresh, the Reds cannot afford to drop their guard against Leeds.