Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Leeds United picked up another valuable point on the road against Aston Villa on Saturday, which ultimately maintained their six-point buffer to the drop zone.
Leeds fans could breathe a sigh of relief after West Ham dropped points at home to Bournemouth in a game in which Wayne Rooney felt could have a big impact on the relegation battle.
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United’s draw at Villa Park ensured their unbeaten run in all competitions was extended to four matches, although Daniel Farke was disappointed to concede a late equaliser, the German recognised that the result was ultimately a positive one.
This did not stop Farke and one of his players from getting caught up in a heated off-camera exchange during the game against Villa, however, as revealed by Graham Smyth.
Daniel Farke and Ethan Ampadu expressed their frustrations at officials as they came off for half-time
There was no shortage of drama during Leeds’ trip to Villa Park, with referee Michael Oliver coming in for some criticism from supporters on social media.
It was not just supporters who had their gripes with the referee, however, with Ampadu and Farke and goalkeeping coach Ed Wootten all “expressing their frustrations with the officials” as they came off for the break in an off-camera moment noticed by Smyth, writing in the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Ampadu, in particular, had a right to be annoyed with the referee after a coming together with Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez off a corner saw the Argentinian grapple Ampadu down to the ground before throwing himself theatrically to the floor to somehow buy a cheap free-kick.
Ultimately, it was Leeds who had the last laugh, as they managed to pick up a point against a side who will likely qualify for the Champions League this season.
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Data suggests Ethan Ampadu was exceptional against Aston Villa
By this point, there is a real argument that Ampadu is Leeds’ best player as well as their most consistent performer.
Away at Villa Park, the Welshman led by example yet again, and the data suggests that Ampadu delivered another spectacular performance.
Ethan Ampadu’s stats against Aston Villa
Stat Value
Minutes 90
Key Passes 1
Progressive Carries 2
Tackles 1
Interceptions 2
Ground Duels (Won) 8 (6)
Aerial Duels (Won) 2 (2)
(Sofascore)
With Anton Stach also being back in the Whites’ midfield against Villa, Leeds have an engine room that is certainly one that is capable of thriving in the Premier League, and Farke will be hoping both Stach and Ampadu continue to drive Leeds forward to pick up the remaining points they need to stay up during the backend of the Premier League campaign.
READ MORE:Daniel Farke hands Leeds United major injury boost after 1-1 draw at Aston Villa – The Leeds Press