Leeds United delivered one of their hardest-fought displays of the season, battling their way to a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa and opening up a six-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Facing a Villa side with Champions League ambitions, the Whites showed determination and composure throughout. They competed all over the pitch, matched the intensity of the hosts and never allowed themselves to be intimidated by the occasion. It was a significant point, not just for the gap it creates in the table, but for the belief and discipline it demonstrated.
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Anton Stach’s superb free-kick just after the half-hour put Leeds ahead at Villa Park, and for long periods it looked as though that moment of quality would be enough to seal an impressive away win. However, Tammy Abraham’s late strike ensured the spoils were shared.
Beyond the positive nature of the performance and the result, Leeds got another boost after Daniel Farke revealed a major injury update on a top star.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke reveals major injury news
Leeds fans were worried when Gabriel Gudmundsson was taken off at half-time at Villa Park, and many feared that he could have suffered a fresh injury.
However, Farke has calmed fears around the Swede’s injury and revealed that the defender was struggling with illness ahead of the Aston Villa game.
He admitted that Leeds were concerned about starting him against Villa, but he is pleased that the defender came unscathed in a solid first-half performance.
“He was ill, he felt more and more unwell in the last days”, Gumundsson told reporters after the game.
“We were a bit concerned that he couldn’t start. Thank God there was no temperature, and he played his part in a really solid first half.
“I would have preferred him to stay a bit longer.”
Gudmundsson has been massive for Leeds
Leeds signed the Swede as the replacement for Junior Firpo last summer, and he has probably been one of the best players for the Whites this season.
He was defensively stout when Leeds were playing a back four, and his attacking game has gone up a level since Farke shifted to a 5-3-2 formation.
Competition Matches Minutes Played
Premier League 26 2,150
FA Cup 1 120
Pound for pound, Gudmundsson has been the best signing for Leeds this season, and his performances have elevated the team in the Premier League.
He is a certain starter when fit, and Farke is likely to be delighted that the Swede is fit and ready to hold down the left-back spot for the rest of the season.