Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has several positives to take from their 1-1 draw against Aston Villa in the Midlands on Saturday.
Against a Villa team pushing for Champions League football, the Whites stood their ground. They worked tirelessly, stayed organised, and matched the home side’s intensity from start to finish. The point felt important, not only because of the space it creates in the standings, but because it highlighted the growing confidence and steel within the squad.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
Anton Stach’s superb free-kick just after the half-hour mark put Leeds in front at Villa Park, and for much of the contest, it looked like that moment of quality would be enough to secure a statement victory. But Tammy Abraham’s late equaliser meant they had to settle for a share of the spoils.
Aston Villa vs Leeds United – Match Stats Comparison
Aston Villa Stat Leeds United
13 Shots 8
4 Shots on Target 4
74% Possession 26%
457 Passes 241
89% Pass Accuracy 71%
11 Fouls 17
1 Yellow Cards 4
0 Red Cards 0
4 Offsides 5
7 Corners 2
The late goal dampened the mood a bit, but Farke has made an astonishing claim about this Leeds side that should shock both fans and the club’s detractors.
Daniel Farke makes massive Leeds United and Europe claim
Leeds were closing in on a momentous away win at Villa Park when they conceded a sloppy late goal from a set piece.
The Whites have conceded several late goals in the Premier League this season, and Farke believes that, had they not, his side would be fighting for European qualification.
He also feels that it’s a major positive that Leeds felt disappointed at only getting a point against an Aston Villa side chasing Champions League football.
“Yes, probably we would fight for Europe [without the late concessions]”, Farke told reporters after the game.
“We have also scored several late goals.
“It’s only crazy that you travel away from one of the title contenders, one of the best sides in the country and in Europe and are slightly disappointed with just one point.
“If you concede so late and have a chance to score the second goal, keep in mind the goal was avoidable and the second phase out of a corner in the 89th minute, you feel a bit disappointed at first.
“But my warriors deserve all the praise and compliments, top away performance, came so close to winning all three. I think well deserved point.”
Late goals are a problem for Leeds
While Leeds are still 15th in the Premier League table, six points clear of the relegation zone, there is a tinge of regret that the gap could have been bigger.
Abraham’s late goal was scruffy, and the Leeds defender should have done better to prevent it and earn all three points from their trip to Villa Park.
However, conceding late goals has been a major problem for Leeds. They have conceded 14 goals in the last 15 minutes of second halves in the Premier League this season.
No other Premier League team have conceded as many goals late in the game as Leeds.
While the Whites are closing in on survival, this is one problem Farke would like to solve before the end of the season.