Leeds United managed to produce a defensive masterclass to maintain their unbeaten run on Thursday evening, with a superb 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.
While Leeds had gone five games unbeaten, many felt going up against an improving Liverpool that have won their last four games in all competitions, at Anfield, would end up in defeat for Daniel Farke’s men.
Especially, with Farke confirming Joe Rodon would be missing for the next few games. Farke sprung a few surprises with his starting XI, keeping a 3-5-2 but starting players like Sebastiaan Bornauw and Ilia Gruev.
Do you agree with the player ratings from Leeds’ well-deserved draw at Anfield?
It was a tricky assignment for Leeds' forwards
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James Justin also came in for Jayden Bogle, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin was benched despite his stunning form in front of goal. All with an eye to Sunday’s rival clash against Manchester United at Elland Road.
James Justin in action for Leeds.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
New-look Leeds defence ends four-month wait at Anfield
Despite the form of injured Rodon, Leeds haven’t kept a clean sheet since August – the 0-0 draw against Newcastle at Elland Road. Yet, Leeds managed to keep Liverpool at bay and almost stole a win late on.
Calvert-Lewin might have been offside, but it was a stunning display from Leeds and one that clearly got Arne Slot wound up on the touchline. Graham Smyth reports how James Justin had the gaffer annoyed.
Smyth wrote: “56 – Slot annoyed because the ref stops it with Justin down, holding his midriff. Unlike the brush of Stach’s hand on Szoboszlai’s face, that one looked painful. Took Bijol’s shoulder in his ribs.”
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It was a brilliant performance from Justin, with the £10m man winning the man of the match award in just his second Premier League start for the club. It hands Farke a selection headache ahead of Sunday.
Agree or disagree – Leeds will be disappointed not to have nicked a win at Anfield
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West Ham are active, but crucially, the gap remains
Reports on Thursday evening suggest West Ham are closing in on three attacking signings and could even do more before the end of the month. One of them is a reunion for Nuno and Adama Traore.
Another, looks to be Leeds target Taty Castellanos with the Lazio striker set for a permanent switch to the tune of more than £20m. West Ham are active then, after drawing with Brighton earlier in the week.
But ultimately, Leeds have come up trumps. Another point, when West Ham thought the gap might be reduced. If Farke was offered 21 points from the first half of the season, he would have been delighted.
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