Leeds United might be disappointed to drop two invaluable points on the road.
The Whites, donning a black kit on Saturday afternoon, drew 1-1 away to Aston Villa, a good point at a tough ground, but were leading until the very end of the game.
Daniel Farke's side very much held their own against a good Villa team. Though they only had 33% of the ball, their 14 shots and expected goals tally of 1.35xG, just 0.04xG less than the home side, highlighted the fact that they put in a strong performance in the Midlands.
A first-half strike from midfielder Anton Stach put Farke’s men in the lead. What a goal it was from the German, who has proven himself as a dead-ball specialist this season. He was at it again at Villa Park, firing a freekick past Emiliano Martínez from 35 yards out.
Emi Martinez
It looked like the Whites might hold on to all three points, but Tammy Abraham had other ideas. The Villans’ January signing got on the end of a loose ball in the penalty area in the 88th minute, to break Leeds’ hearts at the death.
Despite dropping two points, it was a strong performance from the Whites, with Stach a standout.
Anton Stach’s performance in numbers vs. Villa
After missing the last two games due to a minor hip injury, it was like German midfielder Stach had never been away. The Leeds number 18 started on the right-hand side of midfield, which is a new role for him this season, but he was excellent.
His goal is certainly worth another mention. It was a fine strike from the former Hoffenheim star, who has now scored three direct free kicks this term.
About 35 yards from goal on the left corner of the box, he wrapped his foot around the ball and fired his shot goalwards, with the ball nestling in the top left corner.
It was a typically hard-working showing from the Leeds summer signing, who has been revolutionary in Farke’s side. He offered a threat in the final third and was important off the ball, helping keep Leeds’ tight-knit defensive shape.
The quality performance Stach put in at Villa Park was reflected in his numbers at full-time. He created two chances and completed 10 carries on the ball, winning two duels and making six ball recoveries out of possession.
Stach
He was excellent against Villa, but was arguably not even Leeds’ best player.
Leeds’ standout star looks like another Ampadu
What a performance it was from another of Leeds’ summer signings, James Justin. The former Leicester City defender stepped up at right centre-back against Unai Emery’s side, once again putting in a pivotal performance at the heart of the defence.
Dealing with the likes of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers, both players who love to attack that left channel, Justin coped superbly. You wouldn't have been able to tell it was his 13th career game as a centre-back.
James Justin-1
That was certainly reflected in his stats. The 27-year-old was superb in duels, winning seven in total, as well as winning three from his four attempted tackles and making two ball recoveries.
On the ball, he completed 100% of his long balls.
Justin key stats vs. Villa
Stat
Touches
Long balls success rate
Ground duels won
Tackles won
Interceptions
Clearances
Ball recoveries
Stats from Sofascore
Five of Justin’s last seven appearances across all competitions have now come at centre-back. He was pivotal in keeping Villa out from open play, shutting down what is a deadly attack with quality off the bench, too.
There is a case to be made that the England international could be Farke’s new version of Ethan Ampadu. The versatility which he possesses is reminiscent of the Leeds skipper, who can operate as a centre-back himself or in midfield.
Ampadu
That is something which has been utilised by the German boss at times during his stint in West Yorkshire. It offers him another option and has proven to be pivotal at times in the last few seasons.
Well, Justin has proven he is another versatile member of the Whites’ squad. Farke can rely on him to play either side at full-back, and now at centre-back, to a good standard.
It’s certainly a good tractor to have, and will only benefit the Elland Road club as they look to avoid relegation.
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