Weather the Leeds storm and it is usually sunny on the other side - Mail 16/10/22

CRAIG HOPE: Weather the Leeds storm and it is usually sunny on the other side... Jesse Marsch's high-intensity style only looks good until the final third - their poor run of form is cause for concern

Leeds are now winless in six games after a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal this afternoon

Jesse Marsch's high-intensity style falls flat when Leeds reach the final third

They are now just one point ahead of the relegation zone and are in poor form

Patrick Bamford's awful penalty summed up their fortunes in front of goal

By CRAIG HOPE

Leeds United are much like a power surge - an energy overload, all sparky and bright. But then, as the lights flicker, they fade into the darkness of another defeat.

This game was only one minute old when an electricity surge caused a 40-minute delay. When we resumed, Leeds started well, like they often do. They were decent for most of the second half, too. In fact, they were the better side over the course of the two-and-a-half hours it took to complete this game.

But that is the problem with this team under Jesse Marsch, the likeable American with his clear, high-intensity signature. It all looks so good, to a point - usually the final third.

As an opponent, if you can weather the storm, it is invariably sunny on the other side. Crystal Palace did it last week, coming from behind to win 2-1 after a dominant first half from Leeds.

For March’s side are seldom what you would label ‘poor’. In the isolation of each week, you do not look at them and see a team that screams relegation scrap. Their fight on the pitch is reflective of the ferocity screeching down from the partisan stands.

Their downfall is a wonky jab when they get within range. And there was nothing wonkier than Patrick Bamford’s missed second-half penalty, which would have deservedly drawn the hosts level.

Bamford was brought on at half-time for the ineffective Rodrigo, whose most eye-catching contribution was a defence-splitting cross-field pass in the 35th minute. It was just a shame it split his own defence. From it, Bukayo Saka swapped passes with Martin Odegaard and lashed the game’s only goal.

But the arrival of Bamford gave Leeds a focal point and, come the 65th minute, he could have had a hat-trick. His penalty, however, did not even hit the target, the striker dragging it hopelessly wide.

That just about captured their misfortune - or, more accurately, misfiring - in front of goal. Crysencio Summerville sent another close-range chance into orbit in the 89th minute.

There was still time for the drama of a late penalty award and red card for Arsenal defender Gabriel for an apparent kick on Bamford, but both were correctly overturned when replays showed the Leeds man had committed the first foul and the kick had not connected.

The defeat leaves Leeds one point above the bottom three and without a win since August, a run of six matches returning just two points. And that should be a concern. For what happens if the energy levels do drop? Players who are giving it their all could quickly feel tired and demoralised if a winless stretch persists.

It is only a fine opening to the season - seven points and seven goals from three games - that is keeping Leeds out of the drop zone. Again, that start was much like a power surge.