On-field and off-field elements in Leeds United draw vs Spurs show why they are safe — Leeds Live 12/5/26
Leeds United showcased why they were the team already safe in the Premier League relegation battle
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
There was always a danger that Leeds United's performance
levels would naturally drop after survival was secured the night before, though
you can bet Daniel Farke was not about to let that happen.
Relegation rivals Tottenham Hotspur were playing at home for
the first time since their back-to-back wins against Wolves and Aston Villa,
buoyed by West Ham United’s defeat to Arsenal. That told in the atmosphere and
also in the players, with confidence renewed.
But Leeds were always going to have their say. Resilience
has been a keyword for United this season, and they had to show that in various
ways in Monday evening's 1-1 draw - firstly coming back from a goal down and
then weathering the late barrage with 15 added minutes played in total.
That perhaps epitomises this team under Farke. Quality might
be lacking, but never effort and that showed why they are safe. Going a seventh
away game unbeaten should also not be overlooked - as should their run of not
losing since March 3, something Roberto De Zerbi mentioned post-match.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin fired home his 14th goal of the season
from the spot in an otherwise frustrating game for him - but that doesn’t
matter. He is here to score goals and he has surpassed expectations in that
regard. It’s now two in two games for the attacker.
Meanwhile, Lukas Nmecha’s contributions should not be
ignored. He has seven goals of his own and has been a brilliant asset to use
from the bench in the latter half of the season, putting in a dogged display on
Monday evening.
Daniel Farke branded their free arrivals as
"outstanding" pieces of business. He added: “We had to be a bit
creative because we didn't want to risk the sustainability of this club.
“We have spent less money than many other teams who were
promoted in the last seasons. So we have actually spent less money but a better
outcome.”
This type of business is an off-field component to Leeds
surviving the drop.
Fitting in James going forward
Where does Daniel James fit into this system? The question
might become irrelevant should Daniel Farke change system again in the summer
but if he sticks with the wing-back system, right wing-back does not seem his
forte.
Admittedly against a very agile opponent in Mathys Tel and
while playing in an unnatural position, James struggled defensively. Of course,
the Welshman has hardly been a regular this season. Yet he did recently
underline how he would like to stay at Leeds for at least the medium term.
Maybe he could play in behind the striker in this 3-4-2-1
formation, but Leeds have better options there. His lone striker days are long
gone, especially with Farke’s ideal profile of centre-forward. It’s something
that will become a growing issue next season if the manager sticks to a back
three.
Youngsters get first taste
It was a memorable day for academy youngsters Jayden Leinou
and Rhys Chadwick, who made a matchday senior squad for the first time.
Hamstring injuries to Gabriel Gudmundsson, Facundo Buonanotte and Jayden Bogle
opened up the space on the bench.
Neither player got on but it was a fantastic experience for
the pair, who have both impressed with the under-21s. And what a stadium to do
it in too. Of course, on the other bench was Archie Gray, an example of what
can happen when talent meets hard work and opportunity.
Admittedly, such opportunities are limited in the Premier
League, but Daniel Farke has often underscored how Thorp Arch is a ‘key
cornerstone’ of the club. Being in and around the senior team on matchday will
only help their journey and hopefully inspire them.
