In Leeds United’s defence and midfield’s relationship, one needed space from the other. That didn’t mean the other should pack their bags and move abroad.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s only goal in a 0-1 win at Elland Road was the result of a splendid attacking move. Ben White, who was crucial in Leeds’s return to the top flight, broke forward from deep, passing to Alexis Mac Allister who then exchanged with Leandro Trossard on the edge of the penalty-area, before assisting Neal Maupay for a simple tap-in.
Although not to take anything away from the goal, what enhanced the move was the space afforded in the centre by Leeds United’s midfielders. As Leeds aimed to win the ball back in Brighton’s half, midfielder Pascal Gross switched the ball across to White whilst being pressed by stand-in holding midfielder Pascal Struijk, who had pushed forward to close down Gross. The overload on Brighton’s left flank was beaten, and White was able to carry the ball unmarked, with space to move into as the Leeds midfielders aimed to get back into position/win back possession.
And as White carried the ball into Leeds’s half, White was able to quickly release Mac Allister who then drifted to the right channel whilst Trossard made a diagonal run from the right and towards the penalty-area.
And once Brighton arrived in Leeds’s box, Luke Ayling not tracking Maupay’s movement on his blind side could perhaps be called into question.
Leeds’s pressing via their midfielders was evaded by White, clearly comfortable in both defence and midfield, and Brighton’s two side centre-backs, Adam Webster and Dan Burn. There was often a lot of space to move into because the press that was evaded was high and there was a large gap between the midfield and the defence, with the defence then lacking support in transitions.
Brighton’s centre-backs and White could then advance forward down the channels or through the centre and pass to a teammate closer to goal, or even go for goal themselves, which Webster did here.
Brighton again switched the ball from out wide to the centre. Wing-back Solly March bringing the ball inside dragged both Mateusz Klich and Pablo Hernandez closer to him and out of position. March then laid the ball off to Webster who had pushed out into midfield from the back, with his movement not tracked by Tyler Roberts in time.
With the press dragged to one side, Webster then dribbled forward…
and shot from the edge of the box, forcing a save from Kiko Casilla.
Brighton’s own wide overloads also got the better of Leeds, as combinations could set-up third man runs. Triangles down either flank could create openings, with Leandro Trossard’s effort against the woodwork, his fourth this season according to who scored.com, the result of one.
Leeds’s pressing wasn’t so much the issue, it was, in my opinion, the lack of something to fall back on if the press is beaten by the opposition. Teams, including Brighton and Manchester United, have found ways to get around Leeds’s press, notably by dragging man-markers out of space.
Leeds’s pressing is intense, and can be a real handful when they swarm the opposing sides half, but sometimes it can play into opposing sides hands. It’s also worth noting how first-choice holding midfielder Kalvin Phillips did not feature in this game. I think that because Brighton did not play with a designated no.10, Phillips would not have had as many issues as he faced against Manchester United.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side also created little chances, especially during the first-half, and this was mostly down to Brighton’s flat 5-4-1 defensive shape offering little gaps to play vertical passes, instead forcing Leeds to switch the ball wide. Leeds were quick in moving the ball out to the flanks, but Brighton’s three centre-backs dealt with the incoming crosses. Leeds only completed 5 of 29 crosses.
It was no surprise Pablo Hernandez was eventually brought on. His delicate ball nearly met Patrick Bamford, who uncharacteristically had little chances to pounce on for 90 minutes. Though it did surprise me that Raphinha and Jack Harrison started on the left and right flanks respectively – the opposite to what usually goes down.
And Leeds being K.O’d by a back three system is a regularity they’d surely like to find a solution to. This season, Leicester City, Wolves and West Ham United have all earned three points against Leeds whilst fielding a back three.
Ironically, Leeds created more chances against Manchester United, a side with better individuals all over the pitch. Man. United played a more open game, and arguably focused more so on exploiting Leeds’ weaknesses when they don’t have the ball, and scored six goals. Did Brighton have to consider both shutting down Leeds, and hitting them where it hurts more opportunistically?
Though before you may ask, it’s not a matter of Leeds needing to change things tactically. It’s in my opinion unlikely Bielsa would make any drastic alterations anyway, and even though there are risks attached, it’s a system that’s been honed, it got Leeds to where they are now, they usually create a heap load of chances, and even with this defeat, Leeds are still within a comfortable position in the table as things stand.
On the other end, Graham Potter’s Brighton secured their first win in nine games, and showed how its best to go up against Leeds with a specific set-up in mind to draw out their weak points.
The Conventional Playmaker 